Octa Reserve de Marche | Platinum

This is one of the last of examples of the Octa Réserve de Marche* to feature straight-line Geneva striping on the rhodium-plated brass bridges of the self-winding calibre 1300, a detail only found in the earliest examples of F. P. Journe watches. This piece, with a case from the second year of serial production in 2002, is likely one of the last to come with this detail. It is paired with a platinum case in the more desirable 38mm size and a yellow gold backdrop to the now familiar off-centre time display, double-wheel date display and marine chronometre-style power reserve indicator. The Octa Réserve de Marche, first revealed in 2001, was only the third watch from François-Paul Journe’s eponymous independent. It was the first reference to feature the brand’s self-winding calibre 1300, offering an industry-leading five days of reserve. It was conceived as a watch for modernity and a way for enthusiasts to ease into the world of F. P. Journe. Initially produced in 38mm and then in the more modern 40mm size, both adhered to the watchmaker’s distinct and original vision for the reference. The Octa Réserve de Marche was produced in this original configuration Earliest examples featured straight-line Côtes de Genève on the bridges of the calibre 1300, with the brand later moving to circular striping starting in the second year of serial production in 2002. This marks this example, which features a case from 2002, as one of the very last examples to be produced with straight-line striping on the brass calibre. The platinum 38mm case bears all the details and attractiveness of the Octa line. Its slim, 10mm-tall case features a three-part construction – the domed bezel meets a flat midcase. The rim around the display caseback has a rounded profile and is polished. On it are engraved details such as the brand mark and motto, precious metal hallmarks, year of production, serial number, and the name of the line. The caseback is secured by the brand’s proprietary holt screws. The midcase is home to the three-position crown with the rope-style knurling that is the brand’s signature. The lugs issue fluidly from the midcase. Their short length and the angle at which they curve down make the watch that much more compact and comfortable on the wrist. The 20mm lug width is furnished with a tan, large-grained leather strap secured by a signed, platinum pin buckle. The yellow gold dial shows the mastery with which the watchmaker balances positive and negative spaces – across the aureate expanse lie islands of information. On the right, as is ergonomically appropriate, lies the time display. It is set on a silver base screwed onto the dial. This whitened display features a printed chapter of Arabic minutes at intervals of five, followed by a chemin de fer track to accurately read the moments in between. Further in lie the Arabic hours. The innermost portion wears a hobnail pattern. Between 5 and 7 o’clock lies the subsidiary seconds register with a chemin de fer scale. The signature feuille-style hour and minute hands are heat-blued, as is the simple seconds pointer. To the left of the time display is the arc of the 120-hour, up-down, marine chronometer-style réserve de marche – it expresses hours since the movement was last fully wound. Just north of it, nestled between the power reserve and the time display, is the window of the twin-wheel date display. It is set by pulling the crown out to the second position. The brand mark and motto lie beneath the power reserve display. The brass calibre 1300 is finely adorned with straight line Côtes de Genève applied on all bridges. The bridges feature anglage while the jewels and black polished screws have mirror-polished countersinks. The baseplate is adorned with perlage. Engraved in gold on the central bridge are details such as the five position the watch is adjusted to and its precision chronometer-grade timekeeping. The free sprung balance interacts with an in-line, lever escapement. Topping the bridges is the off-centre, bi-directional winding 22k gold winding rotor finished in a barleycorn pattern with the brand mark and motto. This set includes both inner and outer boxes, original warranty from 2003 (sale date) as well as service paperwork from 2025. The Octa Réserve de Marche is a significant moment in the history of one of the most important independent brands. That this example holds within it so many details that were of the moment – namely the brass calibre 1300 with straight-line adornment and a 38mm platinum case – makes it all the more special and collectible. Closer look Brand: F. P. Journe Model: Octa Réserve de Marche Movement: automatic calibre 1300 Functions: date, hours, minutes, sub-seconds Features: power-reserve indicator, display-back, brass movement, steel blue hands Case material: platinum Case diameter: 38mm Case thickness: 10mm Lug-to-lug: 45mm Crystal: sapphire front & back Strap: F. P. Journe yellow alligator strap, F. P. Journe platinum pin buckle Lug width: 20 x 19mm (curved) Year: 2003 (sold) Accompanying materials: F. P. Journe outer box & inner wooden box, travel box, servicing invoice (from 2025), international warranty card (stamped & dated) Condition This F. P. Journe is in excellent overall condition. The case and lugs show virtually no signs of wear, only very light superficial marks on the very surface of the material. The dial, hands, and movement are free of imperfections and have been well preserved. All hallmarks and engravings are well defined. Warranty The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.