F.P. Journe Octa Zodiaque

So you’ve bought a Patek, maybe an Audemars Piguet, a few Rolexes or a Vacheron. You think you’ve seen it all and are ready to move on to brighter horizons...and then you stumble on F.P. Journe.

Arguably the father of the modern independent watchmaking renaissance, Journe has paved the road for countless other small manufactures to make a name for themselves and share their creative eye with the industry. Indeed, Journe’s legacy truly extends far beyond the watches he’s designed and executed.

Leaving school early to study watchmaking and working in his uncle’s clock repair shop, Journe discovered his knack for all things horological at a young age. Studying the works of Breguet and George Daniels, he had an eye for complication and classicism, which heavily impacted the look of his later creations.

After completing his studies and designing a number of commissioned pieces for private clients, Journe decided to set out on his own crafting wristwatches. Never slacking off, his earliest designs were tourbillons with constant-force remontoirs —  mechanically sophisticated and extremely difficult to execute. The ambitious young watchmaker was punching well beyond his weight, and by the time he started his own eponymous brand, collectors were already excited about his promise.

The Octa collection, introduced in 2001, was Journe's first featuring an automatic, in-house movement. The example we have here, however, is no "mere" Octa — if such a thing can even be uttered aloud! — but an exquisite Octa Zodiaque, a special edition of just 150 pieces that displays the sign of the zodiac via a unique complication. 

Housed in a 40mm platinum case with a sapphire crystal, a smooth bezel, and the brand's signature crown, it features a slate-grey and silver dial with stylized 'Arabic' indices, a date aperture between 11 and 12 o'clock, a blued-steel Journe handset, and a rotating outer disc that displays both the month and the sign of the zodiac by jumping automatically once per day. 

Flip the case over and you're greeted by a breathtaking sight: Beneath a sapphire exhibition caseback is a rhodium-plated brass movement, the automatic F.P. Journe Calibre 1300. Beautifully finished and fitted with a solid-gold winding rotor, it's an encapsulation of Journe's tremendous horological talents and creativity. Fitted to a signed black leather strap with a platinum pin buckle, this watch comes with its factory goodies and proof of total movement service from the manufacture.

Highly limited, expertly finished, and perfectly balanced, the Octa Zodiaque is a true piece of horological art. If that's the type of wristwear that speaks to you, then stop by our showroom to try this one on — we're sure it won't last long! 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.