Description

In 1998, François-Paul Journe completed the world’s first dual escapement wristwatch, using the natural phenomenon of “Résonance” to counter the difference of rate between the escapements, the first model was commercialised in 2000 with a 38mm case and brass movement.

By 2004 a new breakthrough, all movements are now manufactured in 18K rose gold. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the model, 2010 saw the arrival of a new dial design with a more complicated disc system showing the hours of day and night. That same year the Resonance won the Grand Complication Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie in Geneva.

Here is in the brand’s own words the explanation of that magical phenomenon :

“Every oscillating object sends out vibrations. Nearby bodies absorb the same frequency. It’s the principle used to tune a radio to the right station. In the case of the resonance wristwatch created by François-Paul Journe, each balance alternately serves as exciter and resonator. When both balances are in motion, they reach a state of “sympathy” throught the effect of resonance and began to beat naturally in the opposite direction. The two balances therefore support each other, giving greater inertia to their movement.

This harmony is only possible if the difference in frequency between the two is no more than five seconds per day accumulated in 6 positions. Adjusting them is an extremely delicate task. While an external disturbing movement affects the running of a traditional mechanical watch, in the case of a resonance watch this same disturbance has the effect of accelerating one of the balances and slowing down the other. Little by little, the two balances come back together to reach a point of agreement and thereby eliminate the disturbance. This innovative chronometer offers a level of precision that is unrivalled among mechanical watches.”

The present reference is the first series of the Chronomètre à Resonance, the first production series of Brass Movement, it has a 38mm case in platinum fitted with a yellow gold dial combined with white sub-dials. 

A wonderful symmetrical double display indicating the hours and minutes with two small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. Power reserve indicator of 40 hours is located at 11 o’clock. Time adjustment can be done by the crown at 12 o’clock and reset of both seconds hands to zero with the push piece at 4 o’clock.

This manual winding movement caliber 1499 is an exceptional mechanism with its twin balances beating in perfect synchronisation revolutionized the classic standards of watchmaking by offering the magical phenomenon of resonance on your wrist. 

The condition of this timepiece is very good for its age, the dial is in a good overall condition, as seen on other early FPJ dials such as the Tourbillon versions, production techniques evolved and these typical ‘early’ dials were generally more shinny with a grainy texture in the beginning and gradually became over the years more matte, the application of lacquer and its techniques evolved during that time and towards the later years of the first series dials were finished in a way that they wouldn’t oxidise.
Our example is on such early dial with some light signs of oxydation which adds to the charm of this 20 year old watch.  Although the warranty card is dated from 2005, the case’s serial (xxx-02R) suggests it is made/ordered in 2002, it is also quite possible it took back then time to the retailer to sell this model.

Today it is among FP Journe’s most wanted timepieces, the Chronomètre à Resonance defines Mr Journe’s genius and this early reference is certainly a must in any discerning FPJ collection. 

F.P. Journe – Bio

François-Paul Journe was born in Marseille in 1959. An unruly child, he was sent to a local technical college at the age of 14. He went on to graduate from the Paris watchmaking school in 1976. In 1982, after five years of work, he finished his tourbillon – and it work !

He founded the F.P. Journe company in 1999, have ever since stunned the world year after year with the visually distinctive and technically innovative watches. The motto of the brand, Invenit et Fecit (Latin for “[He] invented it and made it”) denotes that the company builds the entirety of the watches. Journe often designs brand new movements, even inventing completely new systems, like the famous resonance chronometer.