First unveiled at Baselworld in 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance is an icon that instantly revolutionised haute horology, with some arguing it rivals the tourbillon as a game changer. Dr George Daniel’s initial visit to F.P. Journe’s workshop was around the same time and as legend would have it, it was love at first sight when the English master watchmaker first laid his eyes on the Résonance, and expressed his desire to purchase one. Both admirers of the 18th-century horological visionaire Abraham-Louis Breguet, Journe was deeply honoured and counter-proposed with the trade of a lifetime—a Chronomètre à Résonance for a Daniels, which George apparently agreed to.

Having gone through three generations prior, from the very first brass movement iteration to the digital display of the 10th anniversary, the fourth variant was introduced in 2019. Paying tribute to its original design, the dial has been returned to a symmetrical analogue display of time, with a subtle update of a 24-hour subdial on the left. Notably, this 2019 model is the last of its kind to be fitted with a cal. 1499-based movement, making way for the Rèsonance that made its debut in 2020 after a heavy facelift and a brand-new heart (shown in Lot 8007). Encased in a 40mm case, the present model was delivered in two configurations. The first was a white gold dial framed in platinum, and the latter a pink gold watch with a matching dial.

The present pink gold Rèsonance is an emblematic timepiece that not only reflects Journe’s genius, but also the craziest challenges ever realised in the world of mechanical watches. With its perfectly synchronised twin balances, this hand-finished solid pink gold cal. 1499.3 continues to revolutionise the traditional standards of horology by offering unparalleled precision for a wristwatch. To further achieve that, the subdial on the left features a 24-hour analogue indicator that precisely defines the hours of the day and those of the night. On right, the subdial follows its predecessor and shows an analogue 12-hour display, indicating the local time.

A quintessential Journe design, the power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock deviates from the norm as it rises from the 40-hour mark to “0” rather than the contrary. The watchmaker explained that this distinctive feature was inspired by marine chronometer clocks developed for naval use in the mid-18th century. Instead of informing its wearer the number of hours left, this clever hack indicates how much time has advanced since the watch was wound.

Produced in very small quantities, for one year only, the present pink gold Chronomètre à Résonance is an extremely rare variant that was discontinued in 2020. Offered for the first time at PHILLIPS, this well-preserved example with an “RT” serial is accompanied by its original accessories.