F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial Watch Review
The F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial is housed in a 40 mm platinum case, while the dial is presented in rich brown tones punctuated with white Arabic numerals. Angus Davies examined this watch at close quarters and relates his observations herein.
F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial – composed of gold and ruthenium
F.P.Journe, creators and purveyors of fine timepieces, has unveiled a version of its existing Octa Automatique Lune equipped with a new and very special ‘Havana dial’. The dial has been produced for the Genevan-based watch brand by Les Cadraniers de Genève and is composed of gold and ruthenium. The resultant face of the watch transitions from pale milky chocolate tones to rich dark tobacco. This characteristic of changing appearance depends on the influence of the sun or other light sources on the dial surface. However, beyond the obvious beauty of its dial colour, this is a timepiece which deserves discussion, exhibiting an array of qualities which distinguish it as special.
F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial – Clous de Paris
The hour and minute hands are quite distinctive, sporting wonderfully curved surfaces which eschew any straight edges. They exhibit a graceful air which is most becoming. The central area of the dial is adorned with Clou de Paris, adding a touch of three-dimensionality to the dialscape. The hour track is smooth and the periphery of the dial is delineated with a railroad track.
Positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock is a delightfully delicate small seconds display. It is presented on a subtly snailed subdial, framed with a chemin de fer and features a seconds hand equipped with an open-worked counterweight. A moon-phase indicator is located between 6 and 8 o’clock. This crescent-shaped aperture reveals a depiction of the nocturnal sky, delicately adorned with a depiction of the moon and numerous stars.
The F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial is equipped with a prodigious power reserve of 120 hours. This is displayed on a smooth power-reserve indicator with a small facsimile of the hour hand imparting the available energy. The graceful arcing trajectory of the hand seems congruent with the overall tasteful mien of the watch. A big date display is positioned between 11 and 12 o’clock. The two discs, one for the ‘tens’ and one for the ‘units’, sit closely together with no discernible difference in height. The single aperture proclaims the two digits in seamless union with only the faintest line revealing that this display is composed of two discs, not one.
F.P.Journe has produced an exquisite dial which is not only equipped with a beautiful skin tone but has an array of gorgeous features. The tobacco-coloured dial readily evinces different shades depending on the angle the watch is held. Furthermore, the design of each dial element, together with the positioning of each indication, is truly beautiful.
F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial – 40 mm platinum case
F. P. Journe has chosen the noblest of metals for the case, platinum 950. Measuring 40 mm in diameter, the case looks resplendent, reinforcing the sense of luxury conferred.
Short, sharply tapering lugs entice the strap to envelop the wrist. With its rope-style grip, the crown encourages inquisitive fingers to manipulate its form. The dorsal flank of the case is equipped with a sapphire crystal, affording sight of the glorious self-winding movement within.
F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial – Calibre 1300.3
The Calibre 1300.3, a self-winding movement, is constructed of 18-carat pink gold, while the oscillating mass is formed of 22-carat gold. The oscillating mass is unidirectional and adorned with a guilloché motif.
The movement is equipped with a free-sprung balance featuring four inertia weights set in-board. The location of the inertia weights mitigates air turbulence, aiding precision. Moreover, the free-sprung balance lessens the impact of positional influences on the rate. The mainspring measures one metre in length, contributing to the model’s 120-hour power reserve. All indications are adjusted with the crown ie there are no caseband correctors. In addition, a specific wheel train allows precise moon phase indications for the F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial.
F.P. Journe is renowned for creating watches par excellence and the Octa Automatique Lune proves no exception. The finissage of the movement is exquisite. The bridges are adorned with circular Côtes de Genève, the anglage is faultless, with consistent bevelled edges, and the jewels are set in polished sinks. This is a horological tour de force.
F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial – closing thoughts
There is a danger that when presented with a beautiful face one fails to look deeper into the soul of the subject in question. The F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial has a gorgeous face which is simple to read, but beyond its aesthetic charms, it also proffers many other virtues. The platinum case exhibits a whiter hue than 18-carat white gold, feels heavier and evinces a supremely luxurious appearance. The case of this watch proves the perfect foil for the pulchritudinous dial.
Crafted in 18-carat pink gold and beautifully finished, the movement within the F. P. Journe Octa Automatique Lune is very impressive. However, beyond its visual beauty, the movement is equipped with many technical features which augment its appeal still further. Once again, F.P. Journe has shown why it is revered and considered one of the finest names in haute horlogerie.
Technical specifications
- Model: F.P.Journe Octa Automatique Lune Havana Dial
- Case: platinum, diameter 40 mm, sapphire crystal to front and sapphire caseback.
- Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, moonphases, power-reserve indicator.
- Movement: Calibre 1300.3, self-winding movement, frequency 21,600 vph (3Hz), power reserve 120 hours
- Strap: caramel alligator leather strap with platinum pin buckle