For the ninth edition of the “Ball in Monaco” gala held in Singapore, F.P.Journe brings a one-of-a-kind creation to the charity auction, reaffirming its commitment to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. This year, François-Paul Journe has crafted an exclusive Chronomètre à Résonance, an elegant 40mm platinum watch that combines a remarkable horological mechanism with cultural and aesthetic heritage, all aimed at supporting environmental preservation efforts. Phillips is supporting the Foundation and F.P.Journe in this venture. Phillips’ Deputy Chairman Watches and Head of Watches, for Asia, Mr. Thomas Perazzi, will auction the watch when it is offered at the charity event.
The unique Chronomètre à Résonance presented here follows in the footsteps of previous singular Journe pieces for the Foundation’s charity auction – 2018’s Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante and 2022’s Chronomètre Optimum.
This latest addition is arguably the most creative yet, with an intricately guilloché silver dial finished in burgundy, alongside a thoughtful integration of traditional Chinese numerals and Oracle Bone Script. The right dial features sleek, modern Chinese numerals, while the left dial nods to history with characters inspired by the Oracle Bone Script, a form of ancient writing that dates back to the Shang dynasty over 3,000 years ago.
The Chronomètre à Résonance is a wristwatch like no other. It’s the only watch in the world that employs acoustic resonance to deliver chronometric precision. In this unique mechanism, two independent balance wheels oscillate in opposition to harmonize with one another, effectively neutralizing the effects of external forces. The concept is a testament to François-Paul Journe’s enduring fascination with resonance, a pursuit he first tackled in a pocket watch back in 1983. Forty years later, the Chronomètre à Résonance has become a pillar of F.P.Journe’s collections, celebrated for its ingenuity and technical virtuosity.
Turning to the back of this extraordinary watch, one encounters an 18K rose gold movement with two separate gear trains powered independently by a shared mainspring, and managed by a differential that balances the force distribution. Each gear train features a Remontoir d’Égalité, a mechanism that ensures a consistent force delivery to the two balance wheels, underscoring the watch’s meticulous commitment to precision.
This unique Chronomètre à Résonance bears the serial number 638-RQ and an inscription that marks its significance: “S.A.S Albert II Singapore 2024.”
It’s a watch that seamlessly merges aesthetics, history, and technical mastery – a true collector's piece with purpose, as proceeds from its sale will go entirely toward the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s environmental initiatives.
F.P.Journe’s commitment to both watchmaking and philanthropy shines brightly here, making this a watch that tells time, history, and purpose all in a single glance.
If you're interested in learning more, please contact jean-marc@deromedi.org.