F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier ref. Q “Ruthenium Limited Edition”

Up for grabs is an F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier

The Ruthenium Collection was launched in 2001. All the dials and brass movement plates were coated in ruthenium, a rare inert metal belonging to the platinum family. Due to its extreme hardness and greater insensitivity to oxidation, it is often used in electronics or aerospace engineering, though rarely ever included in watches. Out of 5 models which FPJ chose to include in this collection, the Ruthenium Calendrier was made between 2003 and 2005. Each piece in the Ruthenium collection was limited to 99 pieces and is numbered in the back. This was also the first time the Calendrier appears in 40mm case size, while all of its standard production counterparts were made in 38mm size. This particular example is marked “04Q” on the caseback, meaning it was part of 2004 produced pieces and “Q” is the reference letter for Calendrier. Besides its 40mm size and ruthenium coated brass movement, these watches were made distinctive by their ruthenium coated dial. It features the grainy texture and shimmer which has come to be associated with the watchmaker’s earliest piece, while at the same time offering the depth of a darker color-tone, which is broadly absent from the F.P. Journe production. Ruthenium has a complex color, which varies depending on the angle and intensity of the light. As a result, the dial can go anywhere from a dark, charcoal color to a lighter, smoke grey.

The Octa Calendrier is an annual calendar, meaning that it only requires adjustment once a year, in February, as it accounts for the long and short months throughout the year. The different elements of the date are displayed in an innovative way, which speaks to the watchmaker’s inventiveness. The date is displayed on an arc which extends around the circumference of the dial, with a blued hand pointing to the correct date. Meanwhile, the day and month are shown through two apertures on the left hand side, which feature a grey background and white text, seamlessly blending into the rest of the design. FPJ discontinued the Calendrier model family in 2015.

The case remains in excellent condition without any dings, dents or deep scratches. All caseback engravings and hallmarks are sharp and fully legible. The front and back crystal are damage-free.

The dial remains shimmery and damage-free.

FPJ branded honey brown alligator strap is mounted on a platinum original FPJ buckle.

This limited edition watch also came with a special model, Ruthenium Collection specific box set which included a dark colored wood exterior with gray interior. Each Ruthenium box set also included a loupe, strap changing tool, an extra deployment buckle, a polishing close, and an extra strap. All of these still remain with this watch and are included. In addition to the accessories, the certificate of authenticity is also included confirming the watch’s delivery in 2004 to Italy.

Furthermore, the watch has been serviced in June of 2024 by FPJ and comes with a copy of service receipt and remains under service warranty.