Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2002 Case No: 203-02R Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator F.P. Journe strap Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe instruction booklet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
The Résonance is certainly one of the most daring and thought provoking watch of the past 30 years.
Journe’s quest of chronometry and accuracy inspired him to use a system originally devised by the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier. In 1983, he subsequently miniaturized the system into a pocket watch and pushed the boundaries in creating a wristwatch version 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.
Not only a wonderful tribute to technical watchmaking, the Chronomètre à Résonance is also an extremely useful dual time watch.
The present example from 2002 in platinum features a rare salmon dial that with time has developed a superb patina giving the dial greater depth and charisma.
F.P. Journe has confirmed that it will issue a Certificate of Authenticity to the new owner should he/she be willing to register the watch under their name.
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.