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.

The Ruthenium Collection was made starting in 2001 until the series was completed in 2004. It was the first limited edition collection F.P. Journe produced, and comprised of five different models. Each model was numbered in 99 pieces, and was intended provide something new and exclusive for his collectors. The watches have ruthenium-coated gold dials and ruthenium-coated brass movements, hence the name. Encased in platinum, this was also the first time Journe used a 40 mm case, which is larger than the usual 38 mm size of the time. In fact, with the exception of the Octa Zodiaque, these are the only 40 mm brass movement watches around, which makes them all the more unusual.

The models in the Ruthenium Collection included: 

Tourbillon Souverain

Chronometre a Resonance

Octa Chronographe

Octa Jour et Nuit

Octa Calendrier

The present timepiece is an Octa Calendrier from the Collection. F.P. Journe carefully considered all aspects of the watch including its legibility. The contemporary asymmetrical dial ensures that all calendar functions of the watch are placed toward the left whilst the time stays on the right side of the dial. The Octa Calendrier was Journe’s first automatic annual calendar wristwatch and boasts an impressive 5-day power reserve. In reality, the Octa Calendrier under promised and over delivered by exceeding its stated power reserve, with a true power reserve potential of 7-days. Besides the dial and movement color differentiating this piece from a regular series Octa Calendrier, the day and month windows have dark backgrounds with white text instead of white backgrounds with black text. 

The present watch represents a rare opportunity to own an early limited edition F. P. Journe in very attractive condition, accompanied by a presentation box and Certificate of Origin from Journe confirming the timepiece.