Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2007 Case No: 343-RN Model Name: Chronomètre à Resonance Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe Guarantee, product literature, polishing cloth, fitted presentation box outer packaging and service papers from VR Horlogerie in Belgium dated July 2019 Literature: F.P. Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Francois-Paul Journe and his work.
Catalogue Essay
François-Paul Journe’s Chronomètre à Resonance, launched in 2000, 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.
Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, Journe rose to the challenge in 1983 and created a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon and launched a wristwatch 17 years later.
In addition to being a maverick, the Chronomètre à Resonance is also an extremely useful dual time watch.
The present example is part of the 2nd generation models featuring a 40mm case and a pink gold movement and made only between 2005 and 2008. Interestingly Journe has produced more timepieces cased in platinum than pink gold making the present example in pink gold with lovely grey dial even more covetable.
In overall excellent condition it is complete with its original certificate and presentation box, further adding to its collectibility.
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.