Watch of the Week: F.P. Journe Octa Divine
What is exceptional for many other brands is standard for F.P. Journe. There are very few watch brands that they can be compared to, as they walk to their own beat. In Journe’s case, that means to strive for the best, each and every day, and that results in exceptional watches, like this Octa Divine.
Even at a glance, this watch can only be mistaken for an F.P. Journe, not only because of its elegant case but mainly by its expressive dial. Although very easy to read, Journe distinctly follows his own ideas in what makes a great dial design. The large date resides slightly off centre between eleven and twelve o’clock, and on the other end of the dial, the seconds are indicated by a disc. A moon phase and power reserve indicator complete the functions of the dial, while the hour and minutes are shown by blued hands in a shape typical to Journe.
The dial itself consists out of several layers on different levels, with a grainy gold center, enclosed by a steel frame featuring a mirror polish, which is screwed to the dial. The white hour ring completes the dial setup, and features tradition Arabic numerals, yet in different sizes depending on their location. The overall result is rather easy to read yet exotic at the same time. Great care and craftsmanship went into its creation, and that is clear from the first glance.
The same goes for the movement. Journe is one of the very, very few that makes the main plate and bridges out of 18k gold. This is exceptionally difficult due to the fact that 18k gold is rather soft. The rotor itself is made out of 22k gold and features unidirectional winding. Thanks to a self-locking system of ceramic ball bearings, even the slightest movement is enough to wind the watch. This makes it rather efficient and contributes that the total power reserve of no-less than five days is reached rather quickly.
What is quite unique is that Journe offers the Octa Divine in either a 40mm case or a 42mm one, in either red gold or platinum, with a gold or platinum bracelet as an option. In either size is the Octa Divine a captivating, eye-catching watch that is bound to please whoever puts it on its wrist.
