Manufacturer: F.P. Journe Year: Circa 2015 Case No: 029-RT Model Name: Chronomètre A Resonance Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle Dimensions: 40mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by undated F.P. Journe Guarantee, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Literature: F.P Journe Invenit et Fecit by Jean-Pierre Grosz is dedicated to Journe and his oeuvre.
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.
An iconic piece of horological history the Resonance has slowly evolved from a 38mm case to a 40mm case with rose gold movement. The present watch is the 3rd generation resonance model, launched in 2010 and in production until 2019. In this version the hands indicating hours and minutes have been replaced by two rotating discs indicating the hours and minutes, the hours being read on a 24h scale.
Featuring a 40mm platinum case and a movement made in pink gold, the present 3rd generation Chronomètre à Resonance is a phenomenal display of Journe’s technical mastery and a must have in any collection.
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.