This 40mm Octa Automatique Lune AL2 is the latest incarnation of F.P. Journe’s moonphase display, housing the 1300-3 calibre. Released in 2019, the Octa Automatique AL2 preserves the distinctive style of the first AL model, while managing to be recognisably different; featuring a larger dial and date display than its predecessor, and subtle blue font seldom seen throughout the collection.

The history

The earliest works of , effortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. The Octa movement was introduced in 2001, becoming only the third developed by the brand (after the and ) and the first automatic mechanism to deliver 120 hours of precision timekeeping, through reserved-power. 

Two years later, the very first Octa Lune won the ‘Favourite Men’s Watch’ award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) - the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry.

The movement

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement that F.P. Journe is famed for. Since the introduction of the first Reserve de Marche in 2001, mechanical F. P Journe examples can be divided into two main movement types – the manually-wound Souverain and automatic Octa (Latin for "eight" or "infinite"). Each Octa movement is designed to incorporate fully-integrated complications within the same volume. Impressively, all variations within F. P Journe’s entire Octa collection are identical, both in diameter and thickness.

This self-winding F.P. Journe caliber 1300.3 movement is 18-carat rose gold, with Côtes de Genève, constructed with 36 jewels and a shock absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring and off-centre uni-directional 22-carat guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".

The design

The Octa Automatique Lune is quintessentially an F.P Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed in a contemporary 40mm case, it is made distinctive by a number of signature elements throughout. The combination of the guilloche Clou de Paris dial and printed numerals is rather unusual, featured most notably on the Répétition Souverain and Resonance RTA. The dial also features an enlarged date and moonphase display, for enhanced readability.

The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed at 3 o'clock (Latin for ‘Invented and Made’ or more literally 'Designed and built by F.P. Journe') in classic F.P. Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. At nine o’clock, a power reserve indicator of 120 hours is also shown.

The set

This 40mm Octa Automatique Lune comes with an original F.P Journe alligator strap, in addition to a bespoke  with curved ends (measuring ) and corresponding platinum buckle. It's also accompanied by the original F.P.Journe warranty card.

Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

Closer look