Property of an Important West Coast Collector
F. P. Journe
Octa Chronograph 'Ruthenium'| A limited edition platinum automatic flyback chronograph wristwatch with date and ruthenium coated dial and brass movement, Circa 2003
Auction Closed
December 8, 10:03 PM GMT
Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: ruthenium
Caliber: cal. 1300 automatic ruthenium plated brass movement, jeweled
Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display case back secured by six screws
Case number: 20/99-02C
Closure: platinum F. P. Journe buckle
Size: 40 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: F.P. Journe ebony presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate dated 30 September 2003, operating instructions booklet, watch loupe, additional 18k white gold folding clasp, polishing cloth, and watch tool
The Octa Chronographe in Ruthenium is one of the most captivating automatic chronographs of the modern era. With its ruthenium-coated gold dial and platinum case, it perfectly captures the refinement that defines this five-piece series, limited to 99 examples of each reference.
The Octa Chronographe was the first automatic chronograph designed entirely by François-Paul Journe, powered by his automatic calibre 1300, an ingenious movement combining a full-sized winding rotor with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. The chronograph mechanism is integrated into the baseplate itself, directly under the dial (not modular), and is operated in conventional two-button start/stop/reset fashion in contrast to the later Centigraphe’s functionality. This integration allows the watch to remain remarkably slim (10.6mm) and is a breathtaking technical achievement that ensures fluid functionality and a compact architecture.
The ruthenium dial, accented by contrasting subdials and elegant numerals, provides exceptional legibility combined with understated sophistication.
Numbered 20/99, this example captures the spirit of Journe’s early production: functional beauty, mechanical innovation, and absolute rarity. The combination of the brass-based calibre with the ruthenium aesthetic positions the Octa Chronographe Ruthenium as both a cornerstone of the brand’s history and one of the most desirable iterations of the Octa family.