Early F. P. Journe timepieces were fitted with brass movements and these are extremely collectible today. Journe timepieces maybe synonymous with 18k gold movements now but the watchmaker only started crafting his movements in gold from 2004. The early production models, between 2001 and 2004, featured brass movements – an estimated number of around 2,000. As a result Journe wristwatches with brass movements are rare and signify an epoch in the celebrated indie watchmaker’s sterling career.
The Octa was the third movement developed by the indie firm after the Tourbillon Souverain and the Chronomètre à Résonance. It was Journe’s first automatic wristwatch (with a power reserve of 120 hours) and was produced between 2002 and 2014 with an estimated production of between 700-800 pieces.