Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2015 Case No: No. 163-RT Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance RT “Black Label Parking Meter” Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499.3, 40 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 “Black Label” certificate of guarantee dated May 11th, 2015, product literature, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box, and outer presentation box.
Catalogue Essay
The Chronomètre à Résonance from F.P. Journe has seen a marked evolution since its inception, which is now at its fifth iteration across four series as detailed below:
1999-2004: “R”, brass movement, caliber 1499 2004-2009: “RN”, 18K gold movement, caliber 1499.2 or 1499.3 2010-2019: “RT”, 18K gold movement, caliber 1499.3, two iterations: - “RTA” with one 24-hour dial and one 12-hour dial (produced in 2019 only) - “RT Parking Meter” with semi-hidden aperture 2020-present: “RQ”, 18K gold movement, caliber 1520
For the two iterations of the third series (“RT”), the Résonance was fitted with two different timekeeping dials: one indicating 12 hours, the other indicating 24 hours, allowing for easier tracking of “home” and “local” time. The earlier model, such as this number 163-RT, had a digital 24-hour display and an analog 12-hour display, whilst the later model had two analog displays for 12- and 24-hours. The unusual shape of the stainless-steel framed digital display led to its nickname, “Parking Meter”.
But it is not only that this reference is long discontinued, or that the dial display is striking and unusual. This “RT” is fitted with a coveted “Black Label” dial, an inky and shining black only cased in platinum and only available to previous clients of F.P. Journe through their boutiques. Very few have appeared in public, reflecting how few were made.
Offered in outstanding condition and complete with the special Black Label certificate of guarantee and all its original accessories, it is a stunning and bold execution of one of the most ingenious wristwatches of the 21st century.
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.
