This is an F. P. Journe Octa Rserve de Marche Boutique Edition*, a rare and unusual iteration of the aesthetic that has been around since 2001. Its 40mm case is crafted from rose gold, as is the self-winding calibre that powers it. Its black dial is another point of interest.

The Octa Rserve de Marche (or Octa Automatique), first revealed in 2001, was only the third watch from Franois-Paul Journes eponymous independent brand. Of these, it was the first to feature a self-winding calibre. This Boutique Edition of Octa Rserve de Marche represents an attractive and rare iteration, of the original aesthetic.

The 40mm rose gold case is three-part in its construction with the domed bezel, flat midcase and the rim around the display caseback wearing even polishing. The lugs that originate from the midcase angle down quite sharply, and end in a flat head. The unsigned crown wears a raised knurled rim, that serves to increase the ease of manipulating the quickset two-wheel date complication, as well as adjusting the time.

The dial, an attractive matte black expanse, is punctuated by the panorama date window, with its white disks and black lettering, as well as the 120-hour scale of the reserve indicator. The scale is printed in rose gold to match the shade of the feuille hand it is paired with. The brand mark and credo, placed just below the reserve indicator, are also printed in rose gold.

The other half of the dial is taken up by the subsidiary registers that display the hours, minutes and seconds. The overlapping registers are framed by a thin, white gold rim, screwed onto the dial. Running on the outer reaches of the primary register, is a printed black chapter of Arabic minutes, followed by a chemin de fer track. Further inside is the Arabic hours chapter, with a clous de Paris centre. The feuille hands are heat blued, as is the seconds hand in the sub-register. Here we find vestiges of the chemin de fer of the main subsidiary register, overlapping with a similar seconds track. Both subdials feature tightly packed concentric rings, finished in a perlescent white.

Visible through the display caseback is the calibre 1300.3, a variation of the first self-winding calibre Journe created to be able to house a host of complications. In this example, the movement is crafted from 18k rose gold. The baseplate features ctes circulaire, while the bridges and plates are decorated with Ctes de Genve. It also has engravings, detailing its Genevan origin, the movement's chronometer rating, as well as its composition. The movement features a self-compensating free-sprung balance, straight-line lever escapement and is adjusted for five positions. Everything is finished to the standard that the manufacture is known for.

Topping it is the massive, off-centre 22k rose gold rotor with grain dorge circulaire and cartouches bearing the brand name, motto and logo. The display caseback is attached by six holt head screws, in between which are etched details such as the precious metal the case is crafted from, the brand mark, motto and the serial number.

The watchcomes with a brown alligator leather strap with a matching rose gold, signedpin buckle. The watch comes with its F. P. Journe outer box and inner wooden box, Certificate of Authenticity, Warranty card (stamped & dated) and care & instruction booklet.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this F. P. Journe Octa Rserve De Marche will be subject to 20% VAT

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Octa Rserve De Marche is in excellent condition throughout. Very light superficial marks are found on the case and lugs, constant with minimal wear over time, and only visible on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks on the caseback are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.