F.P. Journe

Francois-Paul Journe began his career as a clock restorer in France. Ultimately, the talented watchmaker created his own manufacture in 1999. His innovative approach to watchmaking and great sense of design inevitably made Francois-Paul Journe one of the most acclaimed independent watchmakers and the only one to win the celebrated Aiguille d’Or prize three times.

Referenced simply as the AL2, the new Octa Automatique Lune was released in 2019 in 40 mm and 42 mm. It preserves the distinctive style of the first AL model, while managing to be recognizably different; featuring a larger dial and date display than its predecessor.

What makes this model especially striking is the unique Havana dial, compared to the classic silvered dial. It was developed by F.P Journe’s in-house dial makers in a process lasting several months, by mixing a combination of gold and ruthenium.

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement that F.P. Journe is famed for. In 2007, the Octa Auomatique Reserve and Octa Automatique Lune debuted the new 1300.3 movement, which is the third major update on the movement used in the Octa line (it was slowly spread to the rest of the Octa line). The key difference between the updated caliber and the previous 1300 movements was the introduction of a new rotor with a ball bearing system allowing for uni-directional winding. Collectors previously had problems getting their watch’s power reserve to its full capacity, so the idea of the new movement was that every small movement was utilized to wind the watch. 

The Octa Automatique Lune is quintessentially a F.P Journe, with its perfect combination of balance and aesthetics. The present lot is offered in overall like new condition with its full accessories.