Independents
Jay (Eire)'s post offers a rare glimpse into the genesis of one of F.P. Journe's most iconic and technically ambitious creations: the Chronomètre à Résonance. By tracing its origins back to a 'double watch' concept in 1984, Jay illuminates the decade-long journey of trial, error, and eventual triumph that led to its Basel debut. This historical context is crucial for appreciating the horological significance and enduring appeal of the Resonance.
In 1984 FP began work on what at that time he referred to as a double watch. After 18 months or so of working on this watch he abandoned it. The movement, which he had failed to get to work in the way he intended, was resigned to a drawer and other parts of the watch were recycled into a different watch for a collector.
In 94/95 FP revived the idea in discussion with one of his watchmakers. And several years later the prototype Resonance was shown at Basel.
We will soon see the next evolution of the “double watch”, an all new movement perhaps leaning a little on some features already existing in FPJ catalogue.
The Chronomètre à Résonance represents F.P. Journe's entry in the Souveraine collection, distinguished by its resonance complication. This reference utilizes the principle of resonance between two independent escapements to enhance chronometric precision.
The 40mm case is crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The silver dial houses the manual-winding caliber 1499 movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on haute horlogerie complications and independent watchmaking. The resonance mechanism positions this piece as a technical showcase within F.P. Journe's manual-winding offerings. Production began in 2000, establishing this as part of the brand's contemporary catalog for collectors seeking advanced chronometric functions.
Now I have a PhD, but I still don't know how double watches work!
Probably dancing to thriller in my living room Nice watch
And what a superb specimen you have. Truly beautiful. More subtile than the yellow gold but just as nice. In 1984 I was 10 and had made a collection of swatch watches I enjoyed. Little did i know about where this passion would take me. To accomplish the challenge of making the Resonance work in a wrist watch was a huge feat that is still highly significant and respected in the watch world. An other aspect, that is somehow overlooked when you talk about accomplishing such a technical task, is the
Listening to FP talk about it there was so much trial and error and so many little variables in terms of movement construction and assembly which would result in resonance not occurring it does almost seem like magic when it works. And you’ll read here that many owned these watches and have never had the watches “work”. It’s a temperamental piece that needs the watchmakers attention to get it to the right place.
I was definitely eating solids at that time, whether I could tell the time by myself might be questionable though.
🤪 I don’t think you do.
This thread is active on the F.P. Journe forum with 28 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
