Since its official launch in 2000, F. P. Journe’s Resonance has become one of contemporary horology’s most iconic pieces, inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker, Antide Janvier. In 1983, Journe sought to emulate the legendary Janvier and created a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon. He followed this exceptional pocket watch 16 years later with a wristwatch – and the Chronomètre à Résonance was born. 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 beat in synchronous opposition, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy – the resonance phenomenon.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of this mechanical masterpiece, Journe added another of his mechanical signatures to the Chronomètre à Resonance: the Remontoire d’Egalité.

This device first found in his original tourbillon wristwatch is a constant force device used to provide an equal amount of energy disregarding the winding level of the mainspring, thus resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude. This was the very first time this system, invented by John Harrison for the H2 marine chronometer, was ever used in a wristwatch.

The new Chronomètre à Résonance has one barrel spring to provide power for two going trains and escapements. A differential placed on the first wheel, visible via an aperture in the centre of the dial, transmits the energy of the barrel spring towards the two secondary gear trains. Each secondary gear train is equipped with a one second remontoire d’égalité. As such, the force received by the escapements remains linear and assures full accuracy and isochronism.

The new “RQ” featured a redesigned case with the winding and setting crown now placed at 2 o’clock (previously this crown was placed at 12 o’clock) increasing the ease of winding and setting. The left subdial indicates time on 24 hours whereas the right dial indicates time on a more classical 12-hour format.

Launched in 2020 in both 40mm and 42 mm case diameter variants, the new Chronomètre à Resonance is an incredible horological gem merging mind boggling mechanics with Journe’s signature elegant and wonderfully harmonious design aesthetic. The present, rarely seen, and early 42mm example with serial number 043 is fresh-to-the-market and offered complete with its international guarantee and presentation box.