F.P. Journe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020

  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: R
    Case No: No. 004/00R
    Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription”
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by F. P. Journe Certificate of Authenticity

  • Catalogue Essay

    Until very recently, the scholarship on F.P. Journe’s earliest, Chronomètre à Résonance “Souscription” series was far less comprehensive than that of his Tourbillon Souverain “Souscription” series. To finance the launch of his brand, Journe had created 20 Tourbillon Souverain “Souscription” wristwatches to be sold to existing clients and friends using a subscription system whereby the future owners would pay upfront part of the price of the watch. The tale of the tourbillon series is now a well-known part of of modern horological lore, but what was not widespread knowledge outside of the Journe collecting community was that for each of the first twenty Tourbillon “Souscription” watches that Journe created for those loyal and passionate supporters, he also offered a “Souscription” Chronomètre à Résonance with corresponding serial number. In June of 2020, Phillips was thrilled to present Résonance No. 014, which achieved a record-breaking 1,040,000 CHF result. Phillips is proud to present here an even earlier Résonance Souscription, No. 004, resplendent in a platinum case and shimmering white gold dial.

    Since its launch in 2000, Journe’s Resonance has become one of contemporary horology’s most iconic pieces. Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, Journe sought to emulate the legendary Janvier in 1983 and created a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon. He would follow this pocket watch 17 years later with a wristwatch – and the Chronomètre à Résonance was born. 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 beat in opposition, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy – the resonance phenomenon.

    The present Resonance Souscription is, according to our research, the earliest example ever offered publicly. According to scholarship, the majority of the 20 Souscription watches were fitted with a yellow gold dial. This example, with a white gold dial is therefore especially rare. According to F.P.Journe, the early generation dial currently fitted replaced the original dial many years ago as Mr. Journe himself wasn’t pleased with its quality. The two timekeeping subdials however, are original to the watch, as are the hands.

    Much energy has been devoted to examining these early dials under a loupe – many an eager eye passionately examining each square millimeter of the guilloché subdials and white gold main dial for idiosyncrasies that make these watches so full of character. No two white gold dials from Journe have aged exactly the same way, and while you may see a darker, dove grey in some (see Lot 61, a pink gold Tourbillon Souverain from 2003 with a white gold dial), you may see a warmer hue. The present “souscription” Résonance has developed a subtle warmth that gives the dial an almost champagne-like hue, complementing the extremely silver pearlescence of the subdials. The texture of the dial is powdery and mesmerizing, able to flatten or reflect light depending on the angle.

    Fresh-to-the-market and consigned by a prominent collector, the present Resonance Souscription number 004 is a magnificent example and a testament to François-Paul Journe’s horological virtuosity. Preserved in pristine overall condition having just completed a factory service, it is a rare treasure to crown the world’s finest collections.

  • 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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Σ102

F.P. Journe

Ref. R
An extremely rare, very early, and exceptional limited edition platinum dual time wristwatch with double escapement and brass movement

2000
38mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$120,000 - 240,000 
CHF110,000-219,000
€102,000-203,000
HK$930,000-1,860,000

Sold for $403,200

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020