Review: F.P. Journe Linesport Collection Automatique Réserve Reference ARS2 in Yellow Dial
All components for this sporty, automatic Octa Sport in lightweight titanium were specifically made, except the sapphire crystals.
At a very high level, wristwatches can be categorized into dress watches and sports watches. The former is suitable for formal occasions and weekdays in the office, while the latter is designed for sports/outdoor activities and casual time during weekends. A simple collecting strategy is to acquire one dress model and one sports model from each watch brand we admire.
In 2020, after obtaining a F.P. Journe Chronometre Souverain with a mother-of-pearl dial, I set my sights on the Octa Sport model. I first contacted the AD and then worked directly with a F.P. Journe Boutique. After three and half years, my patience was rewarded.
This watch is remarkably different from all other F.P. Journe models – the aluminum movement, the bright yellow dial and a day/night indicator, for example. Yet, from an aesthetic and chronometric perspective, it remains a quintessential Journe timepiece.
I was over the moon to finally have this sporty, automatic Octa Sport in lightweight titanium to pair with the manual-wind, elegant Chronometre Souverain in rose gold.
Here is my review of the F.P. Journe Linesport Automatique Réserve in a yellow dial to share my joy with you.
A Brief History of LInesport Collection
Mr. Journe decided to create a sports watch at the request of Mr. Mori, a Japanese collector who, at the time, was training for endurance racing. It was a creation from scratch, with criteria focused on lightweight design, shock resistance, and scratch resistance. It was a Centigraphe, a chronograph capable of 1/100 second readout, which became the first model in a new Linesport Collection.
The ideal sports watch crafted by Journe weighed merely 55 grams due to the use of aluminum alloy for the case, bracelet, and movement. There were rubber inserts on the case, crown, and bracelet for shock resistance and protection. All components for this watch were specifically made, except the sapphire crystals.
Around the time the first Centigraphe Sport Aluminum was ready for delivery to Mr. Mori in 2011, a major earthquake struck Japan. Mr. Mori didn’t feel right to spend a large sum on a watch during this time of crisis. Journe proposed to auction off this timepiece and donate the proceeds to earthquake relief. The Centigraphe Sport Aluminum #1 was unveiled for the Christie's Important Watches auction on May 30, 2011, in Hong Kong.
As showed in the screenshot above, a sum of HKD 3,620,000, or USD 465K, was raised by this first ever Linesport watch, which was designated for earthquake relief efforts. Remarkably, the winning bidder turned out to be Journe’s client Mr. Mori himself, who ended up paying eight times the list price for the watch. What a heartwarming story!
In the subsequent year, 2012, the Octa Sport Aluminum was introduced, following the same design and style of the Centigraphe Sport Aluminum. Both models underwent a major revamp in 2018, featuring larger cases and a new yellow colorway. Additionally, in the same year, the third model, the Chronographe Rattrapante, was added to the Linesport Collection.
Here is the major timeline of the Linesport Collection:
2011, Centigraphe Sport Aluminium, 42mm
2012, Octa Sport Aluminum, 42mm
2018, Centigraphe, 44mm, titanium case/bracelet, yellow/gray dial
2018, Automatique Réserve, 44mm, titanium case/bracelet, yellow/gray dial
2018, Chronographe Rattrapante, 44mm, titanium/rose gold/platinum
2019, Centigraphe, 44mm, rose gold/platinum
2019, Automatique Réserve, 44mm, rose gold/platinum
The First Generation Octa Sport Reference: ARS
The Octa Sport Aluminium, released in 2012, was, in a sense, the offspring of the Centigraphe Sport Aluminium and the Octa Automatique Réserve (released in 2007). One parent contributed the sporty attributes - an aluminum case and movement, along with rubber bumpers. The other parent offered the dial design and the automatic winding mechanism powered by Caliber 1300.3.
Let's delve into the significance of "Octa" here. As a prefix, "Octa" means 8. When you turn the number 8 by 90 degrees, it resembles the sign of infinity, ∞, symbolizing perpetual movement. Therefore, "Octa" serves as the brand's label for watches powered by automatic movements, specifically the various iterations of Caliber 1300.3.
The Octa Automatique Réserve adopted its dial design from the Chronometre Souverain, the foundational model of F.P. Journe, while equipping the watch with automatic winding. The Octa Sport Aluminium, on the other hand, derived its dial design by rotating the Octa Automatique Réserve by approximately 38 degrees.
Upon comparing them side by side, it's evident that the movement inside the Octa Sport Aluminum was rotated clockwise by about 38 degrees compared to the Octa Automatique Réserve. Consequently, the crown now sits between 4 and 5 o'clock, with the seconds sub-dial positioned at 6 o'clock.
The sole distinction lies in the addition of a day/night indicator for the sports model, which has never been present in any other F.P. Journe models. Amazingly, the modular design of the Caliber 1300.3 facilitated the incorporation of this new complication effortlessly.
Octa Sport Indy 500 99 Pieces Limited Series
This limited series, produced from 2012 to 2013, paid tribute to the Formula One legend Jean Alesi. It featured a case crafted from blackened aluminum alloy and a black rubber strap. The dial came in two versions: one in black and the other displaying the name Jean Alesi along with the logos of Indy 500 and Lotus (shown below).
The Second Generation Octa Sport Reference: ARS2
The Octa Sport received a significant upgrade in 2018, alongside the Centigraphe. The case size was increased from 42mm to 44mm. Both the case and bracelet were now crafted from grade 5 titanium, featuring a ceramic bezel. The rubber bumpers were retired. With a matte finishing, the case and bracelet dazzled with a sleek, high-tech appearance with avant-garde materials.
The date display is notably larger, enhancing legibility. Additionally, the dial is now offered in vibrant yellow and cool anthracite colors.
The movement remains constructed in aluminum, delivering a power reserve of 160 hours. Decorated with circular Côtes de Genève on the bridges and circular graining on the baseplate, the movement comprises 286 parts without the dial, while the total number of parts when cased up with a bracelet is 463. The watch weighs approximately 83 grams.
In 2019, two more Octa Sport models featuring platinum and rose gold cases were introduced, further enhancing the luxurious appeal of the collection.
A Beautiful Dial and Gorgeous Case and Bracelet
The dial of the Octa Sport embodies unmistakable F.P. Journe design DNA, drawing its aesthetics from the Octa Automatique Réserve, which itself takes inspiration from the Chronometre Souverain. However, the sports model emanates a rugged, tool-like sporty vibe, evident in details like the seconds sub-dial with three screws and the car gauge-like power reserve indicator. The vibrant yellow dial is adorned with red elements, making it a perfect match for colorful sports outfits.
Let's see some wrist-shots, close-up shots of the dial, along with images highlighting the case and bracelet.
A Versatile Caliber 1300.3
Initially, it might be a bit confusing to observe that the movements inside some of F.P. Journe's moon phase, dual-time, chronograph, retrograde annual calendar, and perpetual calendar watches are all referred to as Caliber 1300.3. However, it appears that this is Journe's way of emphasizing that the Caliber 1300.3 represents a flexible movement architecture designed to accommodate the addition of various complications.
The specific Caliber 1300.3 inside the Octa Sport boasts a big date, a day/night indicator, and a power reserve indicator. Impressively, the power reserve extends an impressive 160 hours. The bi-directional rotor proves highly efficient; a mere shake of the watch sets the rotor spinning for a few seconds.
My Octa Sport maintains very accurate time, and here are the timing measurements on a timegrapher:
Dial up: +4
Dial down: +6
Crown up: 0
Crown down: +1
12 up: -4
12 down: -4
Average: +0.5 secs/day
Based on the series number, the annual production volume of the current Octa Sport Reference ARS2, available in both gray and yellow dials, is estimated to be approximately 60 pieces, which is about 7% of the total production.
Final Thoughts
The Octa Sport Automatique Réserve stands out as an unconventional integrated sports watch. Unlike the typical stainless steel sports models, it features a titanium case and bracelet paired with an aluminum movement. Its lightweight construction renders it particularly well-suited for activities such as long-distance running and hiking, offering exceptional comfort during wear.
Setting aside its impressive specifications, the most captivating aspect of the Linesport timepiece to me lies in its origin: the collaboration between Mr. Journe and Mr. Mori, from crafting the sports model to the donation of the first example for charity. Whenever I see the Octa Sport, it serves as a poignant reminder of this beautiful story.
Congrats man, enjoyed the history lesson too 😁🥂
Nice shots! Looks great! Macros as well!