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Property of a Collector in Japan

30Σ

F.P. Journe

Chronomètre à Resonance

An important platinum dual-time wristwatch with brass movement, double escapement, power reserve indication, warranty and presentation box

Estimate
HK$1,200,000 - 2,000,000
€138,000 - 231,000
$154,000 - 256,000
HK$2,540,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
F.P. Journe
Year
Circa 2002
Case No
290-02R
Model Name
Chronomètre à Resonance
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by F.P. Journe warranty stamped Dubail Paris, dated 13 December 2002, instruction manual, cloth, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In Japan, there is a deep reverence for expertise and mastery of a singular craft or skill. The Japanese word "shokunin" refers to artisans who devote themselves fully to perfecting one discipline and are highly respected within Japanese culture. This philosophy contributes greatly to their appreciation for independent watchmaking early on.

Japan's Early Embrace of F.P. Journe

The affinity between top independents and Japanese collectors is mutual, as shown through F.P. Journe. A few years after founding his manufacture in 1999, Journe opened his first boutique worldwide in 2003 in Tokyo as no retailers at the time understood his niche work. This prescient move acknowledged Japan's appreciation of his ingenious creations far before global renown.

By providing early patronage enabling direct brand control, Japanese collectors proved instrumental in F.P. Journe's ascendancy. Their discernment recognized outstanding horological substance that would later captivate the world. But they experienced the magic firsthand.

A Revolutionary Icon

Drawing inspiration from 18th century French royal clockmaker Antide Janvier's double pendulum clocks, in 1983 Journe succeeded in miniaturizing Janvier's system by creating the first pocket watch to incorporate dual balances oscillating in resonance. This feat was considered near impossible to translate to wristwatch scale at the time, but Journe's visionary talent and determination led him to accomplish this 17 years later, unveiling the Chronomètre à Resonance in 2000.

The Chronomètre à Resonance also provides useful dual time zone functionality. First introduced with 38mm cases and coveted brass movements, these early generation examples from 2000-2004 have become highly sought after by scholars and collectors.

The present example encased in platinum is an early piece from circa 2002 and maintains its beautifully preserved shiny dial - an increasingly rare find as these dials tend to develop a patina overtime due to oxidation. The thin power reserve indicator and thick seconds hand is a feature found on early examples. Complete with accessories, this landmark timepiece from Journe is surely one of the most desirable and attractive Resonances to have in one’s collection.

F.P. Journe

Swiss | 1999
Founded by watchmaker François-Paul Journe in 1999, the F.P. Journe brand is relatively young, but already is as highly regarded by collectors as many distinguished manufacturers with centuries-old heritage. In the minds of the world's savviest collectors, Journe is producing some of the finest wristwatches the market has ever seen. Mastering his craft from restoring historical timepieces, he was the first to create a wristwatch incorporating two escapements that benefit from the phenomenon of resonance — the Chronomètre à Résonance.

Key models include the Résonance, tourbillon wristwatches incorporating a remontoir and the limited edition Vagabondage series. Especially sought-after are his earliest "souscription" watches, made in 1999.
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