Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2019 Case No: 271-RT Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499.3, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe International Guarantee Card, user manual USB, and inner and outer F.P. Journe boxes.
Catalogue Essay
In 2020, on the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Résonance, F.P. Journe launched the Résonance RQ, an all-new version incorporating a remontoire d’egalite for each escapement and a single barrel differential system for energy distribution. While the F.P. Journe community welcomed such novelty with bittersweet enthusiasm, Journe collectors were also saddened to see the “original” Résonance discontinued. In fact, the manufacturer itself recognized the importance of its first model and thus produced an exclusive “final” edition Résonance, the RTA, for the 2019 calendar year. The RTA brought back the original “dual analog dial” layout of the original design, following the mixed digital/analog display of the Résonance RT introduced in 2010. The RT was affectionately known as the “parking meter”, employing a pair of rotating disks for the hours and minutes surrounded by a steel frame.
While the original Résonance dial design incorporated identical 12-hour subdials, the 2019 design differentiated the two indications: on the left a 24-hour dial (ideal to track “home time” without incurring an AM/PM uncertainty) and a “local time” standard 12-hour dial on the right, both of them featuring an attractive and subtle blue hue for the graphics, often reserved for ultra-complicated F.P. Journe models. The RTA is the only version of the Résonance designed without minute markers on both sub-dials – a minimalist design approach also used for Journe’s ultra-exclusive Astronomic Souverain.
The present example is fresh-to-the-market and comes complete with its original guarantee and accessories. Presented in a 40mm platinum case and complemented by a matte grey solid gold dial, it boasts a superbly attractive monochrome look. Produced strictly for one year only, it is the rarest variant of the iconic Résonance certain to appeal to the most discerning collectors who value the mechanical ingenuity of F.P. Journe.
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.
A very rare and important platinum chronometer wristwatch with double escapement, 12 and 24 hour subdials, power reserve, guarantee, and presentation box
2019 40.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
