F.P. Journe Octa UTC : First wrist impressions

F.P. Journe is undeniably one of the greatest contemporary watchmakers and certainly the most recognized by his peers and for his influence on the watch market.

At ISW, we always loved this brand and wearing a few of them is always a privilege. That’s why we would like to explain how they work and to share with you our first impressions.

The Octa collection

The Octa caliber was created with a "simple" idea in mind : to give the best possible degree of precision and autonomy on a wristwatch.

The Octa caliber 1300 was introduced in 2001 and was the first automatic wristwatch caliber with a power reserve sufficient to ensure precision timekeeping for over five days or 120h (effective power reserve of 160h). Since then, it has undergone only three evolutions and François-Paul Journe said that this caliber “is an accomplished movement that requires no further modification due to its almost unreal performance.” Easy.

So it would not have been complicated to obtain the famous Geneva seal hallmark, a prestigious mark of quality in the watchmaking industry.

The Octa UTC

Introduced in 2011 and produced until 2018, this model was available in platinum and rose gold in 40mm. We know that very few models were made in 38mm at the client’s request.

The dial features the now famous off-center subdial at 3 o’clock with hours, minutes and small seconds with Journe blued hands and an additional plated pink gold hand to display the second time zone. All hour numerals appeared applied but in fact, surfaced, thanks to a diamond tool.

In addition it features a retrograde power reserve, a large date, and for the first time, a dial with the earth divided in time zones. Displaying multiple time zones has always been useful for travelers but let’s explain in a few words what UTC means.

What is UTC and GMT ?

UTC and GMT are both time standards that are used as a reference for the time of day. UTC stands for Universal Time, Coordinated and GMT stands for Greenwich Mean Time. Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between them.

UTC is a time standard that is based on the average solar time at the Prime Meridian, which is the line of longitude that passes through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. It is a precise time standard that is calculated using atomic clocks and is adjusted periodically to account for variations in the Earth's rotation.

GMT, on the other hand, is a time zone that is based on the time at the Prime Meridian. It is used as a reference time for the entire world, and all time zones are expressed as an offset from GMT. However, because it is based on the time at a specific location, GMT is not as precise as UTC.

In summary, UTC is a precise time standard, while GMT is a time zone that is based on the time at the Prime Meridian.

On the wrist

This specific model features a special serial number, making this watch the 100th Octa UTC produced. Based on our observations and estimates, less than 250 pieces have been made in platinum.

With a 10.6mm thickness, our 40mm Octa UTC sits very well on the wrist. As usual with Journe cases, the watch appears very slim, even with the Octa caliber. Everything is well proportioned and it is very comfortable with platinum alloy.

Regarding the strap, even if Journe straps are excellent and very soft, the classic alligator one is a bit too old for my taste. So we changed it for a new one with blue nubuck leather to modernize it.

It is now available in our showroom in Geneva, viewings can be arranged by appointment. Feel free to contact us for any details !

How to set and adjust the F.P. Journe Octa UTC :

Setting this watch is easy but we think is could be useful to see a quick video.