The present watch is an important early version with rhodium-plated brass movement. 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 watchmaker’s sterling career.
The Octa Calendrier is the third complication to be integrated in the Octa automatic caliber. The integration of an annual retrograde calendar while maintaining the dimensions of the movement was another significant horological achievement for the brand. The instantaneously advancing day and month display is self-adjusting for months with 28, 30 and 31 days. The Octa annual calendar requires manual adjustment at the end of February only during the non-leap years.