Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2000 Case No: 014/00R Model Name: Chronomètre à Resonance "Souscription" Material: Platinum and 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum FP Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by fitted box, invoice and original technical drawings Literature: F.P Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Journe and his oeuvre.
Catalogue Essay
A F.P. Journe Resonance Souscription is already an incredibly rare timepiece (less than 20 were ever made) but you can imagine our delight and utter amazement when we discovered that an incredibly rare example in platinum and pink gold with white gold dial had been commissioned. In fact the present watch is the second known example of the "souscription" Resonance in this case/metal combination.
Since its launch in 2000, the Resonance is one of contemporary horology’s most iconic pieces. Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, Journe rose to the challenge in 1983 and created a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon and launched a wristwatch 17 years later. It was the world’s first wristwatch to use the resonance phenomenon whereby the movement is composed of two independent balances, alternatively serving as an “exciter” and “resonator”. When in motion, the balances create the resonance effect and beat in opposition, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy.
To finance the launch of his brand, Journe had created 20 tourbillon wristwatches to be sold to existing clients and friends using a subscription system whereby the future owners would pay upfront part of the price of the watch. When he decided to launch the Resonance Journe used the same system and the owners of the tourbillon could also purchase a Resonance bearing the same number as their tourbillon. However, contrary to the tourbillon the limited edition number was not indicated on the dial.
The present Resonance Souscription has the same case number as the Tourbillon Souscription (see lot 101) and was four hand design project between Bäumer and Journe. The front and back bezels are in platinum whereas the case side and crowns are in pink gold, contrary to the other Resonance Souscription models the dial of the present model is not in yellow gold but in white gold adding extra charisma and personality to the watch.
One of the most exciting and iconic watches from the past 20 years the Journe Resonance, especially in such a rare combination is a must have for any collector.
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.