This is one of exceptionally few examples of the F. P. Journe Octa Universal Time*, coordinated with a 38mm platinum case. It incorporates a useful travel function in a way wholly consistent with the brands aesthetic and approach to complications. The UTC display allows the wearer to visually represent the time zone they are tracking, also allowing for variables such as daylight savings and summer time. Powered by the self-winding calibre 1300.3 crafted from solid rose gold, it is a thoroughly modern piece wrapped in the brands early case size.

First launched in 2011, the Octa Universal Time, Coordinated presented the eminently useful travel complication in a way wholly consistent with the kind of innovation F. P. Journes marque is known for.

Produced in 40mm and 38mm sizes, the Octa UTC was made in rose gold and platinum. It is understood that while over 100 were made in each metal in the 40mm size, far fewer were produced in the 38mm size. In fact, there are likely only around 10-or-so platinum examples in this size.

The case is beautifully proportioned, further accentuating the virtues of the often favoured 38mm size. It is marked by a pronounced rounded bezel that sits flush with the dial-side sapphire crystal. The flat midcase integrates the short lugs, that turn down sharply, terminating in a squared off form. On the midcase, at 4 oclock, is the dimpled corrector to manipulate the subdial that houses the visual representation of the UTC complication. The crown has the signature flat profile, with the rope knurling that aids ergonomics. The caseback bezel, also rounded in its form, is laser engraved with details such as the brand marque and credo, precious metal mark, and serial number. It is secured by six holt screws. All aspects of the case are evenly high polished. The 20mm lugs are furnished with a pale grey grained leather strap secured by a signed platinum pin buckle.

Sitting close to the sapphire crystal, separated by a marginal rehaut, is the white gold dial, which wears a frosted grey finish. The subsidiary time display, located on the eastern part of the dial, is framed by a window that is meticulously finished. It is secured by three visible screws. The main time display features a Clous de Paris centre followed by a raised 24-hour chapter in a golden shade. This corresponds to the golden hand that indicates the secondary time zone. Following this is a blued 12-hour chapter that also has the raised, three-dimensional quality. A chemin de fer track of minutes runs along the periphery of the display. The hours and minutes hands, blued by heat, correspond to these chapters. Pulling the crown out to the second position allows the wearer to quickset both the date and the secondary hour hand, while pulling it out to the third position helps manipulate the primary time display.

Overlapping with this display is the proportionally smaller seconds register. It has a chemin de fer track and a sector-style layout set against concentric rings.

Across from the time display is the double disc date complication. While equipped with the self-winding calibre 1300.3, it features a marine chronometre-style 120-hour power reserve indicator.

Function aside, the UTC display lends a burst of colour to the otherwise restrained dial. It includes a painted polar view of Earth topped by a sapphire disc detailing the time zones. The wearer can use the corrector at 4 oclock to set this display to the 0 position to correspond with the secondary time zone they are tracking. The 1 and -1 positions on the UTC display also allow the wearer to account for daylight savings and summer time in certain time zones.

Visible through the caseback is the 18k rose gold calibre 1300.3, topped with a 22k rose gold winding rotor. The development of the movement was a prolonged process, with particular attention paid to refining the mainspring so it could deliver consistent power to the gear train, no matter the reserve left. Together with a specialist spring maker, Journe finally settled on a design for a spring that is a metre long and 1mm thick.

The movement includes 32 jewels and a shock absorber mechanism. It also integrates a straight-line lever escapement, and a large monometallic four-arm balance with four timing weights. The balance, which is free sprung, is adjusted to five positions. The movement is adorned with Ctes de Genve while the rotor wears grain dorge. The calibre is engraved with "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer", and has a power reserve that exceeds the 120 hours tracked on the dial side.

The watch comes with its full set of boxes and paperwork, including the original warranty details and user manual. This 38mm iteration of the Octa UTC is as highly sought after as it is hard to come by.

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

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Octa UTC is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear and have been well preserved. The dial, hands, and movement show no signs of imperfections. On the caseback and buckle, the hallmarks and engravings are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

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