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Lot Essay
This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap.
The Ruthenium Collection occupies a unique place in the history of F.P. Journe. Produced during the transition from the manufacture's celebrated brass movements to the solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004, the collection comprises five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, the present Octa Chronographe, the Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain. Every model was produced in a strictly limited edition of just 99 examples.
The present Ruthenium Octa Chronographe unites two exceptional worlds: contemporary independent watchmaking and Formula One history. Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, it is numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005 and belongs to the celebrated five-piece Ruthenium Collection. Each of Schumacher's Ruthenium watches bears the number 92⁄99, widely believed to commemorate his maiden Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
Beyond their rarity, the Ruthenium watches are instantly recognisable by their distinctive anthracite appearance. Both the brass movement and the solid gold dial are coated in ruthenium, producing a unique monochromatic aesthetic while preserving the rich texture and lustre that distinguish François-Paul Journe's early production. The larger 40 mm case further marks an important evolution in the manufacture's design language.
Octa Chronographe
Among all Octa models, the Octa Chronographe is one of the rarest, with only approximately 313 examples produced throughout its entire production. Distinguished by its ingenious construction, it incorporates a fully integrated chronograph mechanism into the calibre 1300 without increasing the movement's overall thickness, allowing it to retain the elegant proportions that define the Octa family. This technical achievement perfectly illustrates François-Paul Journe's philosophy of combining mechanical innovation with refined aesthetics. In 2008, the model was succeeded by the Centigraphe, further cementing the Octa Chronographe's status as one of the manufacture's most elusive and desirable creations.
Michael Schumacher
Few athletes have left a greater mark on their sport than Michael Schumacher. A seven-time Formula One World Champion, he dominated an era of motor racing through extraordinary talent, technical understanding, and relentless determination. His five consecutive World Championship titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 remain among the greatest achievements in Formula One history.
Formerly owned by Schumacher, the present Octa Chronographe combines exceptional provenance with outstanding horological significance. As one of only 99 Ruthenium examples and part of the legendary complete set assembled by the World Champion himself, it represents one of the most important and desirable early F.P. Journe timepieces to reach the market.
The Ruthenium Collection occupies a unique place in the history of F.P. Journe. Produced during the transition from the manufacture's celebrated brass movements to the solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004, the collection comprises five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, Octa Calendrier, the present Octa Chronographe, the Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain. Every model was produced in a strictly limited edition of just 99 examples.
The present Ruthenium Octa Chronographe unites two exceptional worlds: contemporary independent watchmaking and Formula One history. Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, it is numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005 and belongs to the celebrated five-piece Ruthenium Collection. Each of Schumacher's Ruthenium watches bears the number 92⁄99, widely believed to commemorate his maiden Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
Beyond their rarity, the Ruthenium watches are instantly recognisable by their distinctive anthracite appearance. Both the brass movement and the solid gold dial are coated in ruthenium, producing a unique monochromatic aesthetic while preserving the rich texture and lustre that distinguish François-Paul Journe's early production. The larger 40 mm case further marks an important evolution in the manufacture's design language.
Octa Chronographe
Among all Octa models, the Octa Chronographe is one of the rarest, with only approximately 313 examples produced throughout its entire production. Distinguished by its ingenious construction, it incorporates a fully integrated chronograph mechanism into the calibre 1300 without increasing the movement's overall thickness, allowing it to retain the elegant proportions that define the Octa family. This technical achievement perfectly illustrates François-Paul Journe's philosophy of combining mechanical innovation with refined aesthetics. In 2008, the model was succeeded by the Centigraphe, further cementing the Octa Chronographe's status as one of the manufacture's most elusive and desirable creations.
Michael Schumacher
Few athletes have left a greater mark on their sport than Michael Schumacher. A seven-time Formula One World Champion, he dominated an era of motor racing through extraordinary talent, technical understanding, and relentless determination. His five consecutive World Championship titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 remain among the greatest achievements in Formula One history.
Formerly owned by Schumacher, the present Octa Chronographe combines exceptional provenance with outstanding horological significance. As one of only 99 Ruthenium examples and part of the legendary complete set assembled by the World Champion himself, it represents one of the most important and desirable early F.P. Journe timepieces to reach the market.