An early example of F.P. Journe’s work, this Octa Réserve de Marche* features the classic and highly-sought after combination of a platinum case and textured rose gold dial. Another striking feature of this reference is the brass movement housed within it, further indication of where this piece sits within Journe’s body of work.

The Octa Réserve de Marche was the first automatic movement developed and produced by François-Paul Journe. What the watchmaker aspired to do was to create a base calibre that could hold all kinds of complications, without gaining a fraction of a millimetre in thickness or width. He achieved in doing so, hence why all the movements in the Octa line, from the Octa Chronographe to the Octa Calendrier, all share the same dimensions, no matter what complication they hold. That base caliber birthed a whole collection of complicated watches, which endure to this day.

The first step in this journey was the Octa Réserve de Marche, introduced in 2001. Only two years after establishing his own eponymous brand, this was the third watch released by François-Paul Journe, following the Tourbillon Souverain and the Chronomètre à Résonance. Combined, these three models represent the watchmaker's earliest brushstrokes and the foundation for the brand he would build over the following decades.

This piece stands out because of its platinum case and rose gold dial, which is far rarer than the more commonly seen yellow gold and white gold dials. The dial on this example has also developed a unique patina through the process of oxidation, which gives it greater texture and depth. Throughout the lifetime of the Octa Réserve de Marche, the production process and lacquer on the dial was progressively upgraded, resulting in dials that didn’t oxidise. As is to be expected, this example therefore shows a rather remarkable level of intensity, reflection, and shimmer.

This example dates from 2002, as evidenced by the “3XX-02A” engraving on the caseback, falling within the middle of the brass movement period for the Octa Réserve de Marche. The classic 38mm case is another reminder of this being one of the watchmaker's earliest pieces, once again cementing its position as one of the purest examples of Journe’s original vision. Meanwhile, the self-winding F.P. Journe caliber 1300 movement is made from rhodium-plated brass, save for the bi-directional rotor in 22k rose gold.

Closer look

This F.P. Journe Octa Réserve de Marche is in good condition overall. Superficial marks can be found throughout the case, consistent with moderate wear, with more visible marks appearing on the bottom right and top left lug, likely resulting from previous strap changes. The rose gold dial has developed tarnishing through oxidation around the edge of the dial, date window and surrounding the F.P. Journe font and power reserve indicator. The caseback engravings and hallmarks are crisp and well defined. There are some particles visible on the movement, likely resulting from oils which have dried up over time. The watch appears not to been serviced or polished in its lifetime, remaining close to its original state.

The watch comes with a complimentary service at F.P. Journe, as well as a lifetime guarantee of authenticity from A Collected Man.