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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.
Uniquely among the five models comprising F.P. Journe's celebrated Ruthenium Collection, the present Octa Jour/Nuit was never offered as part of the manufacture's regular production. Available exclusively within this highly exclusive series, it is therefore one of the rarest and most elusive wristwatches ever created by François-Paul Journe.
Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, the present example is numbered 92 of only 99 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 marks an important transitional period in the history of F.P. Journe, bridging the manufacture's celebrated brass movement era and the introduction of solid 18K pink gold movements from 2004 onwards. Comprising the Octa Jour/Nuit (the present timepiece), Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and Tourbillon Souverain, each model was produced in a strictly limited edition of only 99 examples.
Instantly recognisable, the collection is distinguished by its elegant anthracite appearance. Both the brass movement and the solid gold dial are coated in ruthenium, creating a striking monochromatic aesthetic while preserving the remarkable depth and lustre that characterise François-Paul Journe's earliest creations. The larger 40 mm case further reflects the manufacture's evolution during this important period.
Octa Jour/Nuit
The Octa Jour/Nuit occupies a unique position within the F.P. Journe oeuvre. Unlike every other Octa model, it was conceived exclusively for the Ruthenium Collection and never entered standard production, making it one of the manufacture's most exclusive references. The display combines the hours and minutes with an elegant day-and-night indication, presented with the understated balance and legibility that define François-Paul Journe's design philosophy.
Like all members of the Octa family, the Jour/Nuit is powered by the celebrated automatic calibre 1300, conceived around the principle that every complication should share identical dimensions without increasing the movement's thickness. Delivering an exceptional 120-hour power reserve, the calibre exemplifies the technical ingenuity and refined practicality that have made the Octa collection one of the cornerstones of modern independent 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 Jour/Nuit combines extraordinary rarity with impeccable provenance, representing an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most elusive and desirable creations of François-Paul Journe's early career.
Uniquely among the five models comprising F.P. Journe's celebrated Ruthenium Collection, the present Octa Jour/Nuit was never offered as part of the manufacture's regular production. Available exclusively within this highly exclusive series, it is therefore one of the rarest and most elusive wristwatches ever created by François-Paul Journe.
Formerly part of Michael Schumacher's personal collection, the present example is numbered 92 of only 99 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 marks an important transitional period in the history of F.P. Journe, bridging the manufacture's celebrated brass movement era and the introduction of solid 18K pink gold movements from 2004 onwards. Comprising the Octa Jour/Nuit (the present timepiece), Octa Calendrier, Octa Chronographe, Chronomètre à Résonance, and Tourbillon Souverain, each model was produced in a strictly limited edition of only 99 examples.
Instantly recognisable, the collection is distinguished by its elegant anthracite appearance. Both the brass movement and the solid gold dial are coated in ruthenium, creating a striking monochromatic aesthetic while preserving the remarkable depth and lustre that characterise François-Paul Journe's earliest creations. The larger 40 mm case further reflects the manufacture's evolution during this important period.
Octa Jour/Nuit
The Octa Jour/Nuit occupies a unique position within the F.P. Journe oeuvre. Unlike every other Octa model, it was conceived exclusively for the Ruthenium Collection and never entered standard production, making it one of the manufacture's most exclusive references. The display combines the hours and minutes with an elegant day-and-night indication, presented with the understated balance and legibility that define François-Paul Journe's design philosophy.
Like all members of the Octa family, the Jour/Nuit is powered by the celebrated automatic calibre 1300, conceived around the principle that every complication should share identical dimensions without increasing the movement's thickness. Delivering an exceptional 120-hour power reserve, the calibre exemplifies the technical ingenuity and refined practicality that have made the Octa collection one of the cornerstones of modern independent 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 Jour/Nuit combines extraordinary rarity with impeccable provenance, representing an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most elusive and desirable creations of François-Paul Journe's early career.