The history

The earliest works of , effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. The Octamovementwas introduced in 2001, becoming only the third developed by brand (after the and ) and the first automatic mechanismto deliver 120 hours of precision timekeeping, through reserved-power.

A year later, the Octa Rserve de Marche became F.P. Journes first automatic watch, produced between 2002 and 2014, with an estimated total number of only 700-800 cases known. During this time, the overall layoutsaw no real change except for dial texture and colours, thus making this 40 mmF.P. Journe Octa Automatique Rserve de Marche oneof a limited number of examplesthat resemble theoriginal, inspired design.

Black Label

TheBlack LabelCollection was created exclusively for existing F. P Journe clients, with each of the models within the series distinguishedby their platinumcases andblacklacquer dials - the latter, seen only in the Black LabelCollection andBoutique Edition. Only twelve pieces are received by the boutiques in any year, with just two pieces for each model in the collection.

The movement

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement that F.P. Journe is famed for. Since the introduction of the first Reserve de Marchein 2001, mechanical F. P Journe examples canbe divided into two main movement types the manually-wound Souverainand automatic Octa (Latin for "eight" or "infinite"). Each Octa movement is designed to incorporate fully-integrated complications within the same volume. Impressively, all variations within F. P Journes entire Octa collection are identical, both in diameter and thickness.

In 2004, switched to manufacturing movements from 18-carat gold, having developed the brand sufficiently to further the manufacturing process and move away from brass. With this introduction, all existing movements were issued with new caliber codes. In the case of the Octa Series, this caliber was referred to as 1300-2, before receiving a further update as 1300-3; indicating the third version of the movement. The 1300.3 marked the switch from bi-directional to uni-directional winding, introducing a new ball-beating system to increase winding efficiency. We recommendabout this in the in-depth study.

This automatic, self-winding F.P. Journe caliber 1300.3 movement is 18-carat rose gold, with Ctes de Genve embellishments, constructed with 37 jewels and a shock absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement, and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring and off-center uni-directional 22-carat gold guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".

The design

The Octa Rserve de Marcheis quintessentially an F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed within a 40mm case, it is made distinctive by F.P. Journes signature flat crown with a rope-like pattern. Unlike the standard Octa series, the dial of the Black Label edition features a deep, glossy finish, creating a strong contrast between the separate silver guilloch dial for the hours and minutes. The words Invenit et Fecit are inscribed to the left the subsidiary seconds (Latin for Invented and Made) in classic F.P Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. The signature F.P. Journe style hands are blued for the hours, minutes and sub-seconds. Between eight and nine oclock is a power reserve indicator of 120 hours, with a large date aperture above. Overall, the dial layout is clean and highly legible.

Theset

This 40mm platinum Black Label Octa Rserve de Marchewatch is in excellent condition, fitted to one of our straps with curved-ends, measuring . The set also includes the original inner- and outer boxes, the manufacture's Black Label Certificate and the alligator strap from F. P. Journe.

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Closer look