Important Watches

F.P. Journe

Octa Chronographe | A platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with date and brass movement, Circa 2003

Estimate

3,000,000 - 6,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

F.P. Journe

Octa Chronographe

A platinum flyback chronograph wristwatch with date and brass movement, Circa 2003

Dial: white gold and silvered

Calibre: cal. 1300 automatic, jewelled

Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws

Case number: 090-03C

Closure: navy F.P. Journe alligator strap and platinum buckle

Size: 38 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: F.P. Journe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual and presentation box

Francois-Paul Journe, the technical genius behind his eponymous brand, is not your typical watch industry executive. Rather than spending his time in board rooms, he spends his day sitting down with his other watchmakers at his downtown Geneva manufacture. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the watch community collectively holds its breath in awe every time F.P. Journe releases one of his creations. Yet the Octa Chronographe still manages to stand out from F.P. Jorune’s impressive catalogue as an eccentric yet technically complicated timepiece.

With only around 300 examples estimated to be ever produced, the Octa Chronographe serves as a perfect canvas that illustrates the quick but decisive evolution that F.P. Journe went through in the early 2000s. By nature, F.P. Journe has been a brand that always subverted expectations. Being expelled from Marseille Horological School at the age of 16, rebellion has always been part of the brand’s core DNA. With the asymmetric layout that displays the flyback chronograph, as well as the Octa family’ signature off-center winding rotor, it is impossible to ignore Journe defiant characteristics.

At the heart of this extraordinary timepiece is the Calibre 1300. Unveiled in 2001, the calibre features a staggering 120 hours of power reserve, which was unheard of at the time. The calibre now serves as the basis of all self-winding movements for F.P. Journe and an important part of its history. While F.P. Journe is now known for its use of 18k pink gold in its movements, discerning fans of the brand will know that the Swiss Maison made the calibre 1300 with brass for a small period of just 3 years, making this an extremely rare and collectible example. Furthermore, this example comes in at a highly desirable 38 mm platinum case, and due to the discontinued nature, has seen this configuration skyrocket in terms of collectibility in recent years.

F.P. Journe Octa Chronographe

鉑金飛返計時腕錶，備日期顯示及黃銅機芯，約2003年製

附帶證書、説明書及盒子

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."