F.-P. Journe Octa Calendrier

F. P. Journe is a Swiss watch manufacture which is everything but “just” another Swiss high-end watch-making company. The brand’s motto Invent et Fecit (Invent and made) reveals the company’s vision of fine watch-making and time display. Francois-Paul Journe has managed to create truly unique timepieces originality of which can be noticed at first sight, while F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier is not only the first wristwatch with an annual calendar integrating large date but is also probably the finest of all F. P. Journe masterpieces.
The Octa Calendrier can be described as a genius timepiece. The amazing watch which received a Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Geneve Jury’s special Award in 2002 is truly a very special and impressive wristwatch. In contrary to other premium watches, Octa Calendrier does not impress with gemstones and diamonds but with its incredible time and calendar display which are simply brilliant. Off-centered hour, minute and sub-second display are semi-encircled by the retrograde annual calendar which actually makes the watch so special in compare to other luxury watches although Octa Calendrier offers a lot more than just an impressive calendar display. The case in diameter 30,80 mm houses an automatic winding caliber 1300.3 movement, 22 carat gold rotor and engine turned guilloche dial. The watch has 39 jewels and an incredible 120 to 160 hours of power reserve which ensures precise time display even when the watch is not worn. The case comes in platinum with silver dial or18 carat rose gold case with gold dial and has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal at both front and back enabling admiration of the watch’s movement. The watch comes with black crocodile leather strap and rose gold or platinum bracelet. The amazing retrograde calendar advances automatically to the next month and does not require any intervention except for every leap year when the date is advanced manually from February 28th to February 29th by a simple turn of the crown.
The Octa Calendrier is very different from “ordinary” luxury watches but very elegant which makes it an excellent choice whether you search for a different or a timeless and elegant men’s wristwatch. F. P. Journe’s Octa Calendrier is truly a masterpiece which will remain equally impressive even after decades and justifies the reputation of Francois-Paul Journe as one of the greatest living watchmakers.