7
F.P. Journe
Chronomètre à Resonance "Régence"
A most probably unique and historically important 38mm platinum chronometer wristwatch with dual resonating escapements and hand engraved shiny pink gold dial
Estimate
In Excess of CHF1,000,000/ EUR1,080,000/ USD1,210,000
Manufacturer
F.P. Journe
Year
2002
Case No
212/022R
Model Name
Chronomètre à Resonance "Régence"
Material
Platinum
Calibre
Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by F.P. Journe Authenticity Certificate dated October 13, 2020 and numbered envelope, copy of Certificate of Origin, wooden presentation box and outer packaging
Full-Cataloguing
Good To Know:
- Double balance resonating caliber
- 38mm case with brass movement
- One of only 3 Chronomètre à Resonance with engraved Regency dial
- The only one known with shiny pink gold dial
- Exhibited at the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Chronomètre à Résonance in 2020
The present 38mm Chronomètre à Résonance is not only a visually captivating uber rare piece, but it is also historically important, as it allows us to look into the first years of F.P. Journe, the brand.
The Chronomètre à Résonance no longer needs an introduction, as it is considered by collectors to be one of the master's signature pieces and remains the very first wristwatch to incorporate the resonance phenomenon (inspired by Janvier and later Breguet) into a wristwatch.
Originally launched in 2000 (with an ultra-elusive number of pre-production pieces from 1999 (see Lot 125 - number 022/99R) in a 38mm case with a brass movement, Journe quite rapidly experimented with different dial finishes that would, in the years ahead, lead him to use stone dials in some of his pieces (mother of pearl, jade, ruby heart...).
The present example features what Journe calls a Regénce à Losange or Regency dial, an intricately hand-engraved dial inspired by geometric motifs from the French Régence period of the early 18th century.
The Chronomètre à Résonance with Regency dials were originally made for the Swiss retailer Les Ambassadeurs. According to the information supplied by the brand in 2020 at the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Resonance only three models were made with such a dial.
Research shows that one example featured a white gold dial, encased in the pre-production piece 021/99, which remains with Journe, an example with a semi glossy yellow gold dial and finally the present example with shiny pink gold dial number 212/02 from 2002, and the only one of the three with such a shiny dial.
The present example was exhibited at the brand's Geneva exhibition in 2020 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Chronomètre à Résonance, highlighting this watch’s historical relevance.
To make these dials, Journe worked with a friend who was, at the time, more or less retired, resulting in three unique dials and a style that would become synonymous with some of the rarest and most coveted F.P. Journe models ever created. It is important to note that hand-engraving a single Regency geometric pattern took the artisan roughly two full days.
One cannot underline enough the visually arresting dial, which captures the light in a highly theatrical manner, giving the watch incredible charisma and flair.
Last seen at auction over a decade ago, the present Chronomètre à Résonance with Regency dial is not only a unicorn within Journe’s production and, as such, one of the rarest and most collectible timepieces ever produced by him, but it has remained in one of the greatest Journe collections ever since its last public appearance.
- Double balance resonating caliber
- 38mm case with brass movement
- One of only 3 Chronomètre à Resonance with engraved Regency dial
- The only one known with shiny pink gold dial
- Exhibited at the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Chronomètre à Résonance in 2020
The present 38mm Chronomètre à Résonance is not only a visually captivating uber rare piece, but it is also historically important, as it allows us to look into the first years of F.P. Journe, the brand.
The Chronomètre à Résonance no longer needs an introduction, as it is considered by collectors to be one of the master's signature pieces and remains the very first wristwatch to incorporate the resonance phenomenon (inspired by Janvier and later Breguet) into a wristwatch.
Originally launched in 2000 (with an ultra-elusive number of pre-production pieces from 1999 (see Lot 125 - number 022/99R) in a 38mm case with a brass movement, Journe quite rapidly experimented with different dial finishes that would, in the years ahead, lead him to use stone dials in some of his pieces (mother of pearl, jade, ruby heart...).
The present example features what Journe calls a Regénce à Losange or Regency dial, an intricately hand-engraved dial inspired by geometric motifs from the French Régence period of the early 18th century.
The Chronomètre à Résonance with Regency dials were originally made for the Swiss retailer Les Ambassadeurs. According to the information supplied by the brand in 2020 at the 20th anniversary exhibition of the Resonance only three models were made with such a dial.
Research shows that one example featured a white gold dial, encased in the pre-production piece 021/99, which remains with Journe, an example with a semi glossy yellow gold dial and finally the present example with shiny pink gold dial number 212/02 from 2002, and the only one of the three with such a shiny dial.
The present example was exhibited at the brand's Geneva exhibition in 2020 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Chronomètre à Résonance, highlighting this watch’s historical relevance.
To make these dials, Journe worked with a friend who was, at the time, more or less retired, resulting in three unique dials and a style that would become synonymous with some of the rarest and most coveted F.P. Journe models ever created. It is important to note that hand-engraving a single Regency geometric pattern took the artisan roughly two full days.
One cannot underline enough the visually arresting dial, which captures the light in a highly theatrical manner, giving the watch incredible charisma and flair.
Last seen at auction over a decade ago, the present Chronomètre à Résonance with Regency dial is not only a unicorn within Journe’s production and, as such, one of the rarest and most collectible timepieces ever produced by him, but it has remained in one of the greatest Journe collections ever since its last public appearance.
F.P. Journe
Swiss | 1999Founded 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.