F.P. Journe - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021

  • Manufacturer: F.P. Journe
    Year: 2006
    Reference No: RN
    Case No: No. 266
    Model Name: Chronomètre à Résonance
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1499.2, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: ************** F.P. JOURNE EXTRACT ***********

  • Catalogue Essay

    “Invenit et Fecit” Latin for “I invented it and I made it” has long been the motto inscribed on every F. P. Journe before it leaves the atelier of the famed genius and watchmaker François Paul Journe. With an eye on technical innovation for superior timekeeping, the brand has always sought to create watches that are both beautifully designed and technically sound. In keeping with this ethos, the Chronomètre à Résonance has become, since its launch in 2000, one of contemporary horology’s most iconic pieces.

    Inspired by the work of the great 18th century watchmaker Antide Janvier, and of course the influence of Abraham-Louis Breguet, Journe took up the challenge beginning in 1983 to first create a pocket-watch using the resonance phenomenon and followed it with a wristwatch 16 years later: the world’s first wristwatch to feature the resonance phenomenon. 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 synchrony, naturally evening out each other’s discrepancies and thus permitting greater accuracy. Two individual 12-hour dials, each with its own small seconds, center the dial architecture. Sandwiched between the two, at the twelve o’clock position, is a power reserve indicator drawing inspiration from marine chronometers of the past. The purpose of this power reserve indicator is reversed, not indicating how many hours of power remain, but rather how many hours since the movement was last wound.

    This Chronomètre á Résonance is an early, second-generation example, as denoted by the reference shift from R (“resonance”) to RN (“resonance nouvelle”), with the first 18K rose gold movement, the caliber 1499.2. The 1499.2 was in production for a very limited time right after Journe transitioned away from rhodium-plated brass movements, likely only between 2005 and 2006. After this period, the 1499.2 was replaced by the 1499.3 distinguished by a different power reserve. The reference RN was discontinued in 2009, and with the combination of a retired dial layout, early transitional movement, and overall suave looks, these examples of the renowned Résonance have become highly sought after by collectors. The subtle elegance of the white gold dial against the cool platinum case conveys a restrained opulence suitable for the workplace or enjoying a cozy evening at home with one’s family.

  • 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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Σ17

F.P. Journe

Ref. RN
An ingenious, very rare, and desirable platinum chronometer wristwatch with double escapement and white gold dial

2006
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF56,000-112,000
€53,500-107,000
HK$468,000-936,000

Sold for $252,000

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021