Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2010 Case No: 026-RT Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance, "Parking Meter" Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499.3, 40 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe wooden presentation box, Authenticity Certificate and instruction booklet
Catalogue Essay
Following its debut with a tourbillon timepiece, F.P. Journe’s second release in 2000 was no less technically impressive and has gone on to become an icon and cornerstone of the brand’s production: the Résonance. Tackling what until a few years ago was an obscure physical phenomenon - the fact that two movements placed in close proximity to each other and regulated to a very similar frequency tend to resonate with each other - Journe managed to produce a wristwatch with dual resonating movements which increase each other’s resistance to outside perturbations. The Chronomètre à Résonance is now regarded not only as a technical masterpiece, but also as a superb example of contemporary watchmaking and design.
The model has seen a marked evolution since its inception, which is now at its fifth iteration (without counting the Souscription series). In 2004 the second generation of the model (the “RN” series) was launched, very similar to the First Series but with a gold movement and a 40mm case. From the Third Series on (represented by the present watch), the Résonance was fitted with two different dials: one indicating 12 hours, the other indicating 24 hours, allowing for easier tracking of “home” and “local” time over the dials . In fact, this Series (identified by the “RT” code) is unique in the Résonance panorama as it features a 24 hours disc indication on the left subdial. Offered in excellent condition, given the appeal and scarcity of Journe timepieces - the overall production of the company amounts to less than 1000 pieces per year - and the peculiarity of Third Series Résonance pieces, such occasions are destined only to become more uncommon and economically challenging.
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.