F. P. Journe is a master of 21st century horology. When he introduced his ground-breaking Tourbillon and Resonance models in 1999 and 2000, he launched a contemporary brand with now iconic timepieces revered as much for their technical innovations as they are for their classic designs.

The first generation Chronomètre à Resonance featured a 38mm diameter case with brass movement and was inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker, Antide Janvier. In 1983, Journe sought to emulate the legendary Janvier by creating a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon, and 16 years later, he introduced his now iconic Resonance wristwatch. 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 Resonance can also be used as a dual time watch.
Made from 2000 to 2005, the first generation Chronomètre á Résonance (R), like the present lot, features a rhodium-plated brass movement and a 38mm diameter case. The second generation (RN) would introduce rose gold movements to replace brass and housed predominantly in a larger 40mm cases.

This Chronomètre á Resonance is an elegant and contemporary 21st century wristwatch, and shines in beauty with its platinum case and rare white gold dial. The watch is nicely preserved with signs of little wear, and accompanied with its original guarantee and presentation boxes. This is a rare opportunity to obtain a historically important timepiece that has become one of the most important horological breakthroughs of the early 21st century.