Caliber FPJ 1300-3 movement functions include the time with subsidiary seconds dial, power reserve indicator, big date, and a day/night indicator. The layout is not the most symmetrical offered by the brand, but everything is extremely useful. Honestly, I don’t know anyone who makes movements so traditional, yet so useful, like Francois-Paul does. The F.P. Journe Octa Sport watch also has a long power reserve of 5 days (120 hours) and operates at 3Hz.
I love the signature design of F.P. Journe’s hands and the legibility of the Octa Sport dial is very impressive. One of the things to note about the gray color of the dial, is that in titanium, the watch case and bracelet match it much better than the lighter color of the aluminum. I think most F.P. Journe fans agree that the Octa Sport is not the brand’s most elegant model, but it is among the most interesting and quirky.
At 42mm wide the Octa Sport is among the larger F.P. Journe watches out there, but it doesn’t wear large. That is because the lug structure is rather narrow. The watch fits wonderfully, offering a very high level of comfort – in addition to being difficult to notice on the wrist. That is with with the aluminum bracelet, and for a slightly snugger fit (should you need one), the Octa Sport watch is also available on a rubber strap. Having said that, this is a type of watch that is so designed to go with the matching bracelet that it would seem like wearing it on the strap might dishonor the manner in which F.P. Journe wished for you to wear it.
Curious about the “PHL 50” mark on the dial? That isn’t normally there next to the other text. Those are the initials of the watch’s owner – someone who works closely with Francois Paul – and I am guessing this was a watch for his 50th birthday. Nice gift indeed.
F.P. Journe Octa Sport ARS watch in titanium for 2014
I spent a lot of time with the F.P. Journe Octa Sport watch and have learned to love the quirkiness of aluminum. It is a shame that it is not as suitable as Journe hoped for luxury watch making, but it was a noble attempt. The titanium version of the Octa Sport (Octa ARS) is a bit darker and only a little bit heavier. The new case material adds less than 10 grams to the overall weight, as I understand it.
F.P. Journe is among my favorite high-end watch brands, and what I most appreciate is how it is run. The brand is a kingdom of watchmaking, with Francois-Paul as the ruler. They produce what he decides to make and for the most part don’t produce what the market wants. I applaud this because I feel artistry should be motivated by the artist, and not the market. If you agree with F.P. Journe’s ideals and taste (as many do), then you will quickly appreciate what he is trying to do with his products. The F.P. Journe Octa Sport is certainly not his most mainstream product nor is it his most attractive, but it is cool, sporty, and represents an interesting look into the mind of one of today’s most brilliant watch makers. Price for the F.P. Journe Octa Sport watch is $28,160 on a rubber strap and $33,910 on the bracelet. Price is the same for aluminum and titanium models. fpjourne.com
Necessary Data
>Brand: F.P. Journe
>Model: LineSport Octa Sport (Octa S)
>Price: $33,910 as tested
>Size: 42mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Watch collector interested in brands that produce watches for the people who are designing them. In this case, more specifically, someone looking for a very different, albeit practical sports watch.
>Best characteristic of watch: Light weight of material is outstanding. Everything works together to make for a luxurious, yet practical wearing experience.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Aluminum case material is theoretically delicate for “sporty” situations. Not the most elegantly attractive F.P. Journe watch despite its quality design.
