“Invenit et Fecit”, Latin for “I invented it and I made it”, has long been the motto inscribed on every F. P. Journe before it leaves the atelier of the famed genius watchmaker, François-Paul Journe. With an eye on technical innovation for superior timekeeping, the brand has always sought to create watches that are both beautifully designed and technical works of art. In keeping with this ethos, the Chronomètre à Résonance has become, since its launch in 2000, one of contemporary horology’s most iconic timepieces. It was the world’s first wristwatch to use the resonance phenomenon. The movement is composed of two independent balance wheels, alternatively serving as an “exciter” and “resonator”. When in motion, the balance wheels create the resonance effect and beat in synchrony, naturally evening out each others’ discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy.

Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, and of course the influence of Abraham-Louis Breguet, Journe took up the challenge in 1983 to first create a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon and followed it with a wristwatch 17 years later. Janvier had put two pendulum clocks side by side in order to see if the vibrations of one would regulate the other. The concept of resonance was recognised as early as 1665, and has applications in music, electrical engineering, and celestial mechanics among many others.

Featuring a 40-millimeter case and 18 karat rose gold movement, this now discontinued second-generation model is one of the most classic iterations of the Resonance and offered by the original owner. Preserved in excellent condition, it is a wonderful example of this cherished model.

PROPERTY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER