Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2000 Case No: 001/00R Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance "Souscription" Material: Platinum and 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold F. P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe Certificat d'Authenticité confirming production of the present watch in 2000 as part of a 20 pieces subscription series Literature: F.P. Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Francois-Paul Journe and his oeuvre.
Catalogue Essay
It is a well-known fact that the first approach of Mr. François Paul Journe to watchmaking was in the workshop of his uncle Michel Journe. Apparently, watchmaking talent runs in the Journe family: Michel was one of the foremost restorers of antique clocks in France. Without a doubt, during these years François Paul had the (quite incredible) opportunity of studying some outstanding timepieces from watchmakers such as Breguet himself. Thus, it is not surprising that arguably the most iconic Journe movement - the Resonance - is directly inspired by the architecture of a A.L. Breguet resonance pocket watch movement.
The courage to release such an unusual calibre is paramount, and this is even more true at the time of its launch, when virtually nobody knew what a resonance movement was and how it worked. However, such boldness follows the tracks of the very first timepiece released by the brand: a tourbillon.
What is truly remarkable - possibly as much as the technical refinement of the timepieces themselves - is that Mr. Journe managed to pre-sell the entire first series production with the now famous “Subscription” system. The fact that he managed to find buyers willing to trust him with a pre-determined sum in advance betrays in what high regard he was held as a watchmaker even before he created his brand - which subsequently went on to become a powerhouse among independent watchmakers.
Thus, it is hard to overstate the importance of the present timepiece - the first of the 20 Subscription Resonance watches made. It truly is the physical embodiment of the beginning of a legend. As if this was not enough, the configuration of the watch itself sets it apart from the rest of the production: of the 20 Resonances made, only 5 feature a two-tone case in platinum and rose gold, such as the present watch. Furthermore, this example is 1 of only 3 two-tone Resonance with a silvered dial.
While hyperbolic statements are often overused in the industry, in this case they would be more than apt. The importance of this timepiece defies however even the most flamboyant adjective.
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.
An extremely rare and the first of its kind platinum and pink gold dual time wristwatch with resonating escapements, number 1 of a 20 pieces subscription series
2000 38mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
