The Chronomètre à Résonance movement in this example is comprised of two balance wheels, inspired by a natural phenomenon called resonance. The term 'resonance' was coined by Journe, likening the phenomenon to that of a stringed musical instrument, which resonates. He explains the principles behind this complication: “In a watch, never mind which, there is energy which dissipates. When you listen to a watch, the tic-tac of the balance is dissipating energy. In a resonance chronometer, there are two balance wheels which are placed sufficiently close to one another, and the dissipated energy of each is caught by the other, leading to a unique type of frequency regulation.”

Journe had previously attempted to put this complication into a pocket watch in 1983, but was unsuccessful. Journe was able to hone the phenomenon of acoustic resonance in a wristwatch some fifteen years later, with the prototypes displayed at his first Basel Fair in 1999. Ever since, the model has gained a cult status among collectors. As Rexhep Rexhepi, an independent watchmaker who previously worked for Journe, put it:

“When I think of Francois-Paul Journe, I think of the Resonance.”

Housed in a classical 40mm case, it is made distinctive by F. P. Journe’s signature elements such as the rope patterned crown. The rose-gold dial is delicately textured, and displays two separate silver guilloché dials for the hours and minutes (the two opposing dials capable of displaying multiple time zones). The words ‘Invenit et Fecit’ are inscribed below the two subsidiary seconds (Latin for ‘Invented and Made’ or more literally 'Designed and built by F. P. Journe') in classic F. P. Journe style - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. A power reserve is shown at 12 o'clock, and is reversed, beginning at 40 and moving toward 0. This was a deliberate choice on Journe's part, as he borrowed this idea from marine chronometer clocks, with the power reserve showing how many hours have passed since the watch was wound instead of how many hours are left. The signature hands form a distinct contrast to the silver and rose-gold dial.

This manual-winding, F. P. Journe caliber 1499.3 movement
is constructed from 18k rose-gold, with Côtes de Genève, constructed with 36 jewels. It features a resonance-controlled, twin independent gear-train, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring, oscillating at a rate of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Further to this, a winding crown at 12 o’clock adjusts both time-zones, with a crown at 4 o’clock to synchronise the seconds’ hands.

Closer look

Condition

This F. P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance is in very good condition overall. Light superficial marks are found on the platinum case and lugs, consistent with relative wear over time. More specifically, grazes are found on the bezel at the two and three o'clock positions and on all four lugs, only on the very surface of the material. The textured rose gold dial, guilloché subdials, and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. The hallmarks and engravings found on the caseback are crisp and well defined.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.