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Résonance RTA

F. P. Journe

SOLD
This 40mm 18-carat rose gold Résonance forms part of the final generation, reference RTA (Anniversary), produced in 2019. The rather short production span stems from the reference essentially being both an Anniversary piece as well as a Farewell to the now iconic caliber 1499-1499.3.

Know more

This 40mm 18-carat rose gold Résonance forms part of the final generation, reference RTA (Anniversary), produced in 2019. The rather short production span stems from the reference essentially being both an Anniversary piece as well as a Farewell to the now iconic caliber 1499-1499.3.

 

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 all the more special is the fact that it pays tribute to the original reference (ref, R) and retains a form of symmetry between both subdials. Upon closer inspection, the subdial on the left-hand side represents a 24-hour display whereas the subdial on the right-hand side represents a 12-hour display, similar to that of the Ref RT (Résonance Trois). Both sets of subdials retain the classical steel-frame paired with silver guilloché, the blue font of the numerals appears to be unique to this reference. The classic blue steeled hands have remained consistent since the launch of the first reference (ref, R) and remain so in this particular reference (RTA). 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 features an 18-carat gold movement. The calibre 1499.3 is found in this particular example, this calibre is believed to have been produced from 2008 till 2019 and was eventually phased out in favor of the recently introduced calibre 1520. 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 both its inner and outer boxes signed F. P. Journe, original warranty card, and cloth. 

 

Brand: F.P. Journe
Model: Chronomètre à Résonance
Movement: Calibre 1499.3, Rose Gold
Case Diameter: 40mm
Year: 2019 (sold)
Box & Papers: Full Set. 

Specs

Brands: F. P. Journe

This 40mm 18-carat rose gold Résonance forms part of the final generation, reference RTA (Anniversary), produced in 2019. The rather short production span stems from the reference essentially being both an Anniversary piece as well as a Farewell to the now iconic caliber 1499-1499.3.

Condition report

The watch exhibits minimal signs of wear, with no notable scratches or concerns.

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