Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
Year: Circa 2022
Case No: 269-RQ
Model Name: Chronometre a Resonance Black Label
Material: Platinum
Calibre: Manual, cal. 1520, 62 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories: Accompanied by F.P. Journe Certificat de Garantie dated July 28, 2022 and issued by the Paris boutique, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
In 2000, F.P. Journe took the horological world by surprise with the introduction of the first-ever wristwatch incorporating two resonating escapements, the movement being composed of two independent balances, alternatively serving as an “exciter” and “resonator”. Simply summarised, the idea behind a resonance timepiece is that two independent escapements placed in close proximity influence and synchronise with one another, the two synced escapements being more resilient to disturbances than a single escapement.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of this mechanical masterpiece Journe added another of his mechanical signatures to the Chronomètre à Resonance: the Remontoire d’Egalité.

This device first found in his original tourbillon wristwatch is a constant force device used to provide an equal amount of energy disregarding the winding level of the mainspring, thus resulting in greater accuracy and amplitude. This was the very first time this system, invented by John Harrison for the H2 marine chronometer, was ever used in a wristwatch.

The new Chronomètre à Résonance has one barrel spring to provide power for two movements. A differential placed on the first wheel, visible via an aperture in the centre of the dial, transmits the energy of the barrel spring towards the two secondary gear trains. Each secondary gear train is equipped with a one second remontoire d’égalité. As such the force received by the escapements remains linear and assures full accuracy and isochronism - highly important in the Resonance as the two escapements will only resonate if they each beat with a very close frequency.

The new Chronomètre à Resonance features a redesigned case with the winding and setting crown now placed at 2 o’clock (previously this crown was placed at 12 o’clock) increasing the ease of winding and setting. The dial is also novel as the left subdial indicates time on 24 hours whereas the right dial indicates time on a more classical 12-hour format.

Not only the present piece is a representative of a model showcasing indisputably stellar watchmaking - and thus in very high demand with consistent waiting lists at the retailers. It furthermore is a representative of the legendary “Black Label” line - identified by the black dial and platinum case.

As openly stated on the warranty of this watch, Black Label timepieces are only "available exclusively to owners of F.P. Journe timepieces", and the production is extremely restricted: "Each F.P Journe boutique receives only 1 Black Label watch per month, so just 12 per year and a maximum of 2 examples of the same model.".
Artist Biography
F.P. Journe
Swiss • 1999
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.
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