F. P. Journe Résonance 38mm

This 38mm platinum Résonance forms part of the second generation, reference RN, produced from 2004 – 2008. This particular example is fitted with calibre 1499.2, which is thought to be a transitional movement from the brass to gold era. The white gold dial features a grainy textured finish found on early examples.

F. P. Journe – Pre Résonance 

In 1982 François-Paul along with his uncle Michel Journe had the honour of restoring the then relatively unknown Breguet No. 3177 that featured two pendulums, according to François-Paul, not many people understood the logic of having two pendulums as opposed to a single one.

Upon disassembling the clock, François-Paul quickly understood the principle intended by Breguet. The fascinating clock left a profound impact on the young François-Paul. At the age of just 25 years old, having recently just finished his first pocket watch (tourbillon), a curious François-Paul, then embarked on the journey of attempting to create his own version of the phenomenon. After a year and a half, the project ultimately ended up being labeled a ‘failure’ as the concept was simply not reliable. In hindsight, François-Paul admits that this was his second project and he did not possess the adequate experience to take on such a project. As the years passed by, the idea of failure was simply not an option, the fact that both Janvier and Breguet were able to achieve the phenomenon of résonance almost 200-300 years ago, at a time when technology and lubricants were limited, only drove François-Paul further in his quest. Naturally, François-Paul reembarked on a brave journey to be the first, not only to coin the term résonance (according to him) but to achieve this phenomenon in a wristwatch.

F. P. Journe introduces the Résonance 

First unveiled in 2000, the Chronomètre à Résonance represents one of the wildest challenges in the field of mechanical watches. This emblematic timepiece is a milestone in the constant research of the precision of the master watchmaker François-Paul Journe. According to Franćois-Paul, the phenomenon can be compared to a radio:

“When you are looking for a channel on the radio, it crackles until the chosen wavelengths meet those of the transmitter: only then do they harmonise and begin resonating together”.

The proximity of the balance wheels sit just 0.4mm apart from each other, each of the two balance alternately serves as an excited and resonator. When the two balances are in motion, they enter into sync due to the résonanceeffect and begin beating in opposition naturally. It is important to note that this harmony is possible only if the difference in frequency between them doesn’t exceed five seconds per day.

What makes this reference rather special is that this series is believed to be transitional of sorts, the brand’s ambition of no longer making brass movements was realised in 2004 when production moved to 18-carat gold calibres. The reference RN retains symmetry both subdials feature a 12-hour display, similar to the original R.

Both sets of subdials retain the classical steel-frame paired with silver guilloché, although the steel frame is rounded. The classic blue steeled hands have remained consistent since the launch of the first reference (ref, R) and remain so in this particular reference (RN). The power reserve found between both subdials also retains the classical scale of 0 to 40 hours. Below that, the dial signed F. P. Journe, Invenit et Fecit (Latin for ‘Invented and Made’), Chronometre A Resonance, the placement of this essentially remains unchanged from the very first reference (ref, R). The iconic Chronomètre à Résonance appears to have been one of F. P. Journe’s most successful designs as the reference remains largely unchanged in terms of the overall aesthetic.

The movement

This Chronomètre à Résonance forms part of the Souverain collection which houses an 18-carat gold movement. The calibre 1499.2 is found in this particular example, this calibre is believed to have been produced from 2005 till 2007 and was eventually phased out in favor of  calibre 1499.3. The 42-hour manual wound movement consists of 40 jewels and 299 parts and is finished with the classic Côtes de Genève which F. P. Journe is known to use throughout his movements. Additionally, the screw heads appeared to be polished and beveled, with chamfered slots.

The Set

This remarkable F. P. Journe – Chronomètre à Résonance, is accompanied by its inner box signed F. P. Journe and a certificate of authenticity. Please note that the watch is currently undergoing a service at F P Journe and should be available in 2-3 weeks. 

Brand: F.P. Journe
Model: Chronomètre à Résonance
Movement: Calibre 1499.2, Rose Gold
Case Diameter: 38mm
Year: 2006 (sold)
Box & Papers: Full Set.