F.P. Journe Octa Calendrier Ref. Q Brass Platinum Yellow Dial

This is the Octa Calendrier from the brass movement years, in the 38 mm case the family used before it grew. The calendar is annual rather than perpetual, which suits Journe: one correction a year, no complication for its own sake, and a retrograde date that sweeps the outside of the dial. Yellow gold under the registers is unusual for the reference, and rarer still on a platinum case from this early period of the brand.

The platinum case measures 38 mm, small for a calendar watch and easier to wear because of it. The dial plate is yellow gold with the registers cut in whitened guilloché silver, day and month in apertures, and the date carried on a hand that runs the perimeter. A warm plate under a cold case is what collectors look for on early examples of the Octa, and it is getting harder to find every year.