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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 present Ruthenium Octa Calendrier combines exceptional horological significance with outstanding sporting provenance. Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, it is numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005. Each of Schumacher's five Ruthenium watches bears the identical number 92⁄99, widely believed to have been chosen in tribute to his maiden Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
The Ruthenium Collection occupies a unique place in the history of F.P. Journe. Created during the transition from the manufacture's celebrated brass movements to the solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004, it comprises five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, the present Octa Calendrier, the Octa Chronographe, the Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain. Each was produced in a strictly limited edition of only 99 examples.
Immediately recognisable by its distinctive anthracite appearance, the Ruthenium Collection combines brass movements and dials both treated with a ruthenium coating. This monochromatic finish lends the watches a strikingly modern aesthetic while preserving the remarkable depth and lustre characteristic of François-Paul Journe's early production. The introduction of the larger 40 mm case further marked an important evolution in the manufacture's design language.
Octa Calendrier
The Octa Calendrier was the third complication to join François-Paul Journe's celebrated automatic Octa family and the manufacture's first annual calendar wristwatch. Its name derives from the Latin octa, symbolising perfection and infinity, while the collection itself was conceived around the principle of maintaining identical dimensions regardless of the complication housed within.
A remarkable technical achievement, the Octa Calendrier combines an annual calendar with a retrograde date display without increasing the size of the calibre. Equally ingenious is its user-friendly operation: all calendar indications are adjusted exclusively through the crown, eliminating the need for case-band correctors. Requiring correction only once a year, at the end of February in non-leap years, the movement combines exceptional practicality with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Shortly after its introduction, the model received the Special Jury Prize at the 2002 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, recognising its innovative approach to calendar watchmaking.
Michael Schumacher
Few athletes have left a greater mark on their sport than Michael Schumacher. A seven-time Formula One World Champion, he redefined excellence 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.
As one of the five Ruthenium watches assembled by Schumacher himself, the present Octa Calendrier represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare early F.P. Journe combining museum-worthy horological importance with the provenance of one of motorsport's greatest champions.
The present Ruthenium Octa Calendrier combines exceptional horological significance with outstanding sporting provenance. Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, it is numbered 92 of only 99 examples produced between 2001 and 2005. Each of Schumacher's five Ruthenium watches bears the identical number 92⁄99, widely believed to have been chosen in tribute to his maiden Formula One Grand Prix victory in 1992.
The Ruthenium Collection occupies a unique place in the history of F.P. Journe. Created during the transition from the manufacture's celebrated brass movements to the solid 18K pink gold calibres introduced in 2004, it comprises five models: the Octa Jour/Nuit, the present Octa Calendrier, the Octa Chronographe, the Chronomètre à Résonance, and the Tourbillon Souverain. Each was produced in a strictly limited edition of only 99 examples.
Immediately recognisable by its distinctive anthracite appearance, the Ruthenium Collection combines brass movements and dials both treated with a ruthenium coating. This monochromatic finish lends the watches a strikingly modern aesthetic while preserving the remarkable depth and lustre characteristic of François-Paul Journe's early production. The introduction of the larger 40 mm case further marked an important evolution in the manufacture's design language.
Octa Calendrier
The Octa Calendrier was the third complication to join François-Paul Journe's celebrated automatic Octa family and the manufacture's first annual calendar wristwatch. Its name derives from the Latin octa, symbolising perfection and infinity, while the collection itself was conceived around the principle of maintaining identical dimensions regardless of the complication housed within.
A remarkable technical achievement, the Octa Calendrier combines an annual calendar with a retrograde date display without increasing the size of the calibre. Equally ingenious is its user-friendly operation: all calendar indications are adjusted exclusively through the crown, eliminating the need for case-band correctors. Requiring correction only once a year, at the end of February in non-leap years, the movement combines exceptional practicality with an impressive 120-hour power reserve. Shortly after its introduction, the model received the Special Jury Prize at the 2002 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, recognising its innovative approach to calendar watchmaking.
Michael Schumacher
Few athletes have left a greater mark on their sport than Michael Schumacher. A seven-time Formula One World Champion, he redefined excellence 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.
As one of the five Ruthenium watches assembled by Schumacher himself, the present Octa Calendrier represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare early F.P. Journe combining museum-worthy horological importance with the provenance of one of motorsport's greatest champions.