F.P. Journe Octa Zodiaque | A limited edition platinum automatic wristwatch with zodiac scale, date, month, and power reserve indication, with brass movement, Circa 2004

Octa Zodiaque
A limited edition platinum automatic wristwatch with zodiac scale, date, month, and power reserve indication, with brass movement, Circa 2004

Dial: white, slate-grey center field
Caliber: cal. 1300 automatic brass movement, 30 jewels
Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by six screws
Case number: 036/150-Z
Size: 38 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no

Condition Report:
Case: Case in good condition with light surface wear and scratches consistent with age and previous use. Upper right lug with some scratches and more visible wear to the naked eye. Buckle with equivalent wear.

Dial: Dial in excellent condition.

Movement: Zodiac scale, date, and month activated through the crown. Power reserve indication operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping and the state of California.***

Catalogue Note:
F.P. Journe Octa Zodiaque was produced beginning in 2004 as a special edition to commemorate the end of the brass movement era. A limited production of only 150 watches were made, cased in platinum with the atelier’s signature flat crown, and a multi-dimensional slate grey dial that is both unique and archetypical of the F.P. Journe aesthetic. Inspired by the horological sky chart, the outer zodiac ring moves each day, driven by the large date system, and displays the month and the sign of the zodiac at 12 o'clock. Within the slate grey dial, a double aperture date window, and power reserve indication is set in perfect juxtaposition to the subsidiary seconds at 5 o’clock.

The present lot is an early piece from the limited series, numbered 36 of 150 total pieces, and features a highly coveted rhodium plated brass movement. Only approximately 2000 brass movements exist across all model lines, making the present lot exceptionally rare as an early brass movement, limited edition timepiece from the brand.