Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: 2002 Case No: 194-02R Model Name: Chronomètre à Resonance Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe fitted box, undated Certificate of Authenticity, product literature and outer packaging Literature: F.P. Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Journe and his oeuvre.
Catalogue Essay
Francois-Paul Journe’s Chronomètre à Resonance, along with his Tourbillon Souverain, are signature pieces and have been staples of the brand for over 20 years. The Resonance model especially in its 38mm and brass movement livery like the present example has reached the peaks of collectability and cult status in the past years and quite rightly so.
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 Resonance is also an extremely useful dual time watch.
Made between 2000-2005 in very limited numbers the first generation Chronomètre à Resonance featured a 38mm case and a brass movement. The present model from 2002 with rare white gold dial, is in superb condition and comes full set with box and papers.
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.