F.P. Journe
Octa Chronographe | A pink gold automatic flyback chronograph wristwatch with date and brass movement, Circa 2004
Auction Closed
June 5, 07:33 PM GMT
Estimate
150,000 - 300,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 1300 automatic brass movement
Case: 18k pink gold, sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws
Case number: 143-02C
Closure: 18k pink gold F.P. Journe folding buckle
Size: 38 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: F.P. Journe presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Warranty dated 2004, Certificate of Authenticity dated 2020, operating instructions booklet, and Collection book
The Octa Chronographe is one of François-Paul Journe's early series wristwatches, produced in very limited numbers. It is believed that only 313 examples were made in total, and among the most desirable early brass movement examples made up to 2004, such as the current watch, only 135 were produced. Utilizing the caliber 1300, shared with other Octa models in Journe's range at the time, it ingeniously integrates a stopwatch mechanism directly onto the dial plate. Journe’s innovative design maintains the Chronographe's height in line with other Octa models. His vision revolutionized traditional chronograph concepts by embedding the chronograph seamlessly within the Octa automatic winding caliber, which is a mere 1 mm thick. This space also accommodates the twin concentric large date display discs.
To achieve this remarkable feat, Journe reimagined the conventional column wheel, flattening it into a cam wheel. Equipped with flyback and reset functions, along with a 60-minute counter, the Octa Chronographe features a patented and distinctive large date display with separate numeral disks. Despite its groundbreaking design, the Octa Chronographe was succeeded by the 'Centigraphe' in 2007, marking a new chapter in Journe's horological innovations.