Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2007 Case No: 182-RN 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: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe warranty stamped Sincere Haute Horlogerie dated 28th February 2007, instruction manual, extra crocodile strap, cloth, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
Without much introduction needed, F.P. Journe has garnered a loyal global following over the years, and more so in recent times. Launched at the start of the new millennium, the Chronomètre à Resonance is one of the most iconic and important timepieces ever made by the independent firm. Taking its inspiration from the 18th century legendary watchmaker Antide Janvier, François-Paul Journe decided to take on a challenge in 1983 to create a pocket watch utilizing the resonance phenomenon initially developed by Janiver in the 18th century. A success, it took over 17 years for F.P. Journe to implement the mechanism in a wristwatch, which is what we know now as the Chronomètre à Resonance.
A world premiere, the Chronomètre à Resonance is the very first wristwatch to feature two independent balances, alternatively serving as an “exciter” and “resonator”. To create the best resonance effect, the motion beating oppositely naturally evens out the discrepancies of the two balances resulting in a greater accuracy for timekeeping. Featuring two individual dials each with its own small seconds, sandwiched in between at the 12 O’clock position is a power reserve indicator styled and inspired from marine chronometers of the past. With its indication reversed, the purpose of the power reserve indicator is not to indicate how many hours of power remain, but rather how many hours since you last wound the movement.
The present example F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Resonance from circa 2007 encased in a 40mm platinum case with an attractive “salmon” dial is certainly a rare timepiece. Complete with its full set of accessories, the Resonance has become one of the most highly sought after models from the firm. Offered in excellent overall condition and hailing from the collection of an Important Asian collector, this is truly a sight to behold for established collectors to acquire a beautiful specimen of the revered Resonance.
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.
