The presentation of the Octa automatic movement exactly 20 years ago marked a turning point in the world of watchmaking, as it was the first automatic calibre for wristwatches with an impressive 160 hours of power reserve. This calibre has undergone only three evolutions in the course of time, the most recent of which concerned the winding automation system, which has passed from a bidirectional to a unidirectional one, more effective in ensuring rapid tensioning of the barrel spring. For François-Paul Journe, the Octa calibre has demonstrated its excellent stability and reliability right from its presentation: "The Octa is a complete movement," says its creator, "that needs no improvement, thanks to its almost unreal performance. Thus, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its launch, F.P. Journe presents a version of the Octa Automatique produced in a limited series of 99 pieces, with a 40 mm platinum case and animated by the rhodium-plated brass Calibre 1300.3 (diameter 34.60 mm, thickness 5.95 mm, 260 components, 37 jewels, 21,600 vib/h, 160-hour +/- 12-hour power reserve, 22-carat 5N gold oscillating weight), mechanical with automatic winding. The dial is in satin-finished yellow gold, similar to those of 2001, when François-Paul Journe himself finished them by hand in his atelier. The power-reserve indicator has been lowered slightly to leave more space for the date, which is now larger and displayed in a 4.7 x 2.6 mm window. The Arabic numeral hour markers have also been enlarged, while the movement, which has undergone only a slight aesthetic modification, is now adorned with skeleton bridges that allow a view of the gear-trains, a feature that will be offered for all 1300.3 calibres starting this year. The movement's finishes include a circular-grained mainplate, côtes de Genève bridges, polished screws and angled chamfers. The black leather strap is combined with a pin buckle.
Price: 63,300 euro.
