Property of an Important European Collector
945
F.P. Journe
Chronomètre à Résonance, "38mm Brass movement"
An early and extremely rare pink gold dual-time wristwatch with brass movement, white gold dial, double escapement and power reserve indication
Estimate
In excess of HK$1,500,000
Manufacturer
F.P. Journe
Year
Circa 2002
Case No
242-02R
Model Name
Chronomètre à Résonance, "38mm Brass movement"
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold F.P. Journe pin buckle
Dimensions
38mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Full-Cataloguing
Good to know:
- Fresh-to-the-market
- Early 38mm case with brass movement made in circa 2002
- Extremely rare in pink gold case with white gold dial (only 6 known publicly)
- Well-preserved and important example
Launched in 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance marked a defining moment in modern watchmaking, becoming the first wristwatch to successfully harness the resonance phenomenon. This groundbreaking innovation solidified François-Paul Journe’s status as one of the most visionary watchmakers of his era. This model, particularly in its 38mm case and brass movement configuration, has achieved the pinnacle of collectability and has become a cult favorite throughout the years.
Journe's pursuit of chronometry and accuracy led him to incorporate a system originally conceived by the renowned 18th-century watchmaker Antide Janvier and Abraham-Louis Breguet. Pushing the boundaries of innovative watchmaking, Journe successfully created a miniaturized modern wristwatch that harnessed the power of resonance. As the world's first wristwatch to utilize the resonance phenomenon, the cal. 1499 employs two balance wheels—one acting as an "exciter" and the other as a "resonator." By beating in synchrony and opposition to each other, they create a resonance effect that naturally eliminates deviations and enhances accuracy.
Produced from 2000 to 2004, the Chronomètre à Résonance (reference R), like the present lot, features a highly sought-after rhodium-plated brass movement housed within a perfect 38mm case. Subsequent generations transitioned to pink gold movements, a design that continues to this day.
According to our research, between 70-80% of the production of -02 Resonances were cased in platinum, making a pink gold-cased -02 R exceptionally rare. Even rarer is the combination of a pink gold case with white gold dial. In the past two decades, less than 30 pieces have appeared publicly, with the majority in platinum with white gold or yellow gold dials. Only 6 examples, of which the present lot is the 6th, in a pink gold case with white gold dial, have appeared publicly in the past two decades.
Fresh-to-the-market, the present No. 242-02R encased in an attractive pink gold case made in circa 2002 showcases a well-preserved white gold dial that is truly a sight to behold. With the ever-growing demand and interest in early Journe pieces, the present important example is highly coveted by collectors and aligns perfectly in today’s watchmaking vision.
- Fresh-to-the-market
- Early 38mm case with brass movement made in circa 2002
- Extremely rare in pink gold case with white gold dial (only 6 known publicly)
- Well-preserved and important example
Launched in 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance marked a defining moment in modern watchmaking, becoming the first wristwatch to successfully harness the resonance phenomenon. This groundbreaking innovation solidified François-Paul Journe’s status as one of the most visionary watchmakers of his era. This model, particularly in its 38mm case and brass movement configuration, has achieved the pinnacle of collectability and has become a cult favorite throughout the years.
Journe's pursuit of chronometry and accuracy led him to incorporate a system originally conceived by the renowned 18th-century watchmaker Antide Janvier and Abraham-Louis Breguet. Pushing the boundaries of innovative watchmaking, Journe successfully created a miniaturized modern wristwatch that harnessed the power of resonance. As the world's first wristwatch to utilize the resonance phenomenon, the cal. 1499 employs two balance wheels—one acting as an "exciter" and the other as a "resonator." By beating in synchrony and opposition to each other, they create a resonance effect that naturally eliminates deviations and enhances accuracy.
Produced from 2000 to 2004, the Chronomètre à Résonance (reference R), like the present lot, features a highly sought-after rhodium-plated brass movement housed within a perfect 38mm case. Subsequent generations transitioned to pink gold movements, a design that continues to this day.
According to our research, between 70-80% of the production of -02 Resonances were cased in platinum, making a pink gold-cased -02 R exceptionally rare. Even rarer is the combination of a pink gold case with white gold dial. In the past two decades, less than 30 pieces have appeared publicly, with the majority in platinum with white gold or yellow gold dials. Only 6 examples, of which the present lot is the 6th, in a pink gold case with white gold dial, have appeared publicly in the past two decades.
Fresh-to-the-market, the present No. 242-02R encased in an attractive pink gold case made in circa 2002 showcases a well-preserved white gold dial that is truly a sight to behold. With the ever-growing demand and interest in early Journe pieces, the present important example is highly coveted by collectors and aligns perfectly in today’s watchmaking vision.
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.