The Octa Réserve de Marche was initially introduced in 2002, the then newly introduced reference was the first automatic movement by F. P. Journe. The importance of this particular reference and caliber 1300 cannot be overstated. The caliber 1300, was a revelation when it first came out, to achieve 120 hours of chronometric performance from a single barrel was unheard of. The design of the Octa Réserve de Marche is quintessential early F. P. Journe. The base of the dial usually features an 18-carat gold dial and a separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes. The reference remained largely unchanged and was eventually was discontinued in 2014.

This 40mm Rose Gold F. P. Journe forms part of the boutique edition series. The boutique edition is similar to that of the Black Label, apart from only being offered in rose gold cases whereas the Black Label was exclusive to platinum cases. The Black Label editions were application pieces and usually only sold to existing customers with two or more F. P. Journe watches. It is believed that the Boutique Editions did not require an application process, that being said we are of the opinion that the Rose Gold cases (Boutique Edition) are rarer than the Platinum cases (Black Label).

Our example

This 40mm Rose Gold Boutique Edition – F. P. Journe Octa Réserve de Marche features the quintessential design cues of the brands early work, the combination of a rose gold case paired with the stark black lacquered contrasts rather well. Both the power reserve and F. P. Journe – Invenit et Fecit are found on the left-hand side of the dial, the use of the golden shimmery font only enhances the overall appeal of the dial. The separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes features a wonderfully aged silverish dial, similar to those found on certain brass movements.

The movement

The distinction between the manually wound and automatic movements can be divided into the following, Octa (automatic) and Souverain (manually wound). The power reserve of the entire souverain collection is based on antique marine chronometers, the power reserve indicator shows the number of hours elapsed since the watch was last wound. Therefore, when fully wound the indicator reads “0” as it has been zero hours since last wound. On the other hand, the Octa collection, when fully wound the indicator reads “120” and will gradually display how many hours of power are left. The Octa collection was introduced in 2001 with the introduction of the Octa Reserve de Marche, the caliber 1300 is the backbone of the entire automatic collection (till date). Naturally, the movement is François-Paul’s unique creation, the ingenuity of the base caliber 1300, allowed him to integrate different complications within the movement whilst still retaining the proportions of the most ‘basic’ models.

This, Octa Réserve de Marche is fitted with an 18-carat gold caliber 1300.2, when fully wound, the Octa Réserve de Marche delivers chronometric precision for 120 hours. The meter-long mainspring supplies an average 850gr of torque, limiting the loss in balance amplitude to 25% over the five-day period. Beyond that time, the watch will continue to go for another day or two, but the amplitude-loss no longer guarantees precision timekeeping.

What makes this particular example all the more special is the fact that the entire Boutique Edition collection was phased out as of 2018.

The Set

This remarkable, F. P. Journe Octa Réserve de Marche is accompanied with both internal and external boxes signed F. P. Journe along with its original warranty card, original user manual, and cloth.

Brand: F.P. Journe

Model: Octa Réserve de Marche

Movement: Caliber 1300.2, rose gold

Case Diameter: 40mm

Year: NA

Box & Papers: Full Set.

The Octa Réserve de Marche was initially introduced in 2002, the then newly introduced reference was the first automatic movement by F. P. Journe. The importance of this particular reference and caliber 1300 cannot be overstated. The caliber 1300, was a revelation when it first came out, to achieve 120 hours of chronometric performance from a single barrel was unheard of. The design of the Octa Réserve de Marche is quintessential early F. P. Journe. The base of the dial usually features an 18-carat gold dial and a separate silver guilloché dial for the hours and minutes. The reference remained largely unchanged and was eventually was discontinued in 2014.