Lot #2019
F.P. Journe Resonance Early Gold Dial Two-Tone Subdials Brass Movement
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Introduction
Perhaps the most Journe-esque timepiece, the Chronomètre a Resonance is a wonderful reminder of F.P. Journe's watchmaking credentials, as Francois-Paul himself is the one who cracked the code to unlock the code phenomenon of resonance in watchmaking in 1999. A truly marvelous achievement, Francois-Paul arranged two balance wheel assemblies so close to one another that they synchronized due to their frequencies aligning. These early Journe timepieces were pivotal in the brand's success, as without them, the brand would not have been financed. Featuring two subdials on either side of the dial to display two independent time-zones, with one power reserve indicator at 12 o'clock, the Chronomètre a Resonance is a beautifully symmetrical timepiece that is bursting full of horological history and heft, given its importance to the success of F.P. Journe as we know it today.
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Grade
M 9
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$300,000 – $500,000
The Details
Brand
F.P. Journe
Dimensions
38mm x 8.8mm
Model
Chronomètre à Résonance
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 1499
Reference
01R
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2001
Condition
Near-Mint
Material
Platinum
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Yellow Gold
THE DIAL
Featuring a rich gold dial and 38mm platinum case, this Chronomètre à Résonance was one of the first 100 Resonances ever made by F.P. Journe, placing it as a watch of inconceivable rarity, desirability and beauty. The watch features all the desirable early attributes including the two-toned subdials and the rich gold hued dial.
THE MOVEMENT
With two balance wheels closely situated, FP Journe's caliber 1499 was the first successful commercial execution of a movement that demonstrated the theory of resonance. With its rhodium-plated brass construction It is, without a doubt, the most famous movement to come out of the F.P. Journe atelier.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in near-mint condition, with a few light scratches visible on the case, primarily visible on the bottom of the lugs. The original early dial is in near-mint condition, with perfect two-toned subdials and a rich golden toned surface. As with all early gold dials, there is some unevenness or oxidation visible on the dial surface, which can be seen near the power reserve.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
An intensely rare watch that helped define F.P. Journe's early exploits in the world of independent watchmaking, this example combines one of F.P. Journe's most iconic movements with the brand's rich history and places it into a package that any collector would be lucky to own.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
