FP Journe Chronomètre à Resonance BrasS
The first time the words resonance were said to me were in Physics class - this phenomenon of two frequencies harmonising fascinated me immediately, so years on as I began to become enamoured with the world of watchmaking, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the FP Journe Chronomètre à Resonance.
The FP Journe Chronomètre à Resonance was first introduced in 1999 in a pre production run of 10 pieces all in a platinum case. It has since then become one of the most emblematic Journe watches of all time, due to its fascinating complication that isn’t really used in any other timepiece on the market today.
The watch essentially encases two movements that can be set and run independently from one another. What this allows the wearer to do is both to allow the movement to self-regulate through the synchronisation of the wavelengths - so in essence, if one of the balance wheels starts to lose or gain momentum, the resonance effect will help both wheels harmonise.
Subsequently, with two movements comes two dials, which is one of the coolest and most recognisable traits to the Resonance. As stated before, both dials can display varying times as they each have their own crown to be set with. Resonance is not affected by the different times, which means that what the Chronomètre à Resonance offers is a hyper complicated and precise dual time zone watch (which I find super cool).
Early FP Journe watches encase a brass movement, this was done from the early days of Journe up until approximately 2004 - making them extremely collectible for the short time period of the production, and the extremely low quantities that were made each year. In total, with a high estimate, a total of 450 brass resonances were produced, of which 99 are a part of the Ruthenium collection. To compare, Audemars Piguet made 2000 Royal Oak 5402ST A series.
It isn’t fair to compare the two as FP Journe are produced by hand, but it is worth pointing out just so as to give readers a sense of rarity.
Much like we said in the Ruthenium Tourbillon article, the case of the Resonance makes me think of a pocket watch. It’s heft, slimness and allure have something quite magical that oozes refinement without feeling too delicate. The beautifully engraved crowns at 12 and 4 o’clock also showcase this delicate side of the timepiece. Coming in at
38mm in diameter, the watch wears extremely well and the balance of the piece whether on the deployant clasp or tang buckle is excellent.
The dial with the two sub-counters is to die for and early examples have already been developing patina - this piece here has developed a very light one. The symmetry in the dial, a consequence of the movement construction, is something that to me makes this watch extremely appealing - reinforced by the symmetry between the power reserve and the smiling “Chronomètre à Resonance” text at 6 o’clock.
Another fantastic design element to early Journe Resonance dials is their simplicity - they are very full, whilst still remaining breathable. Something other watches often struggle to do, even more so in a 38mm case.
Dial variations vary from Yellow, White and Rose with the exception of the ruthenium series. Cases were made in mostly platinum, with some rose gold pieces are very rare two tone cases.
What I find truly fascinating with the Resonance is the technology behind the movement’s complication and its execution. Having been attempted by many, Journe’s execution is flawless in my opinion, creating what has now become an icon for the brand. The resonance allowing self regulation of the two balance wheels, whilst being able to track two different time zones is an opportunity for the wearer to showcase both his taste in fine horology, use the watch in different scenarios and unveil ones inner nerd to anyone daring enough to ask how the watch works.
For an in depth view for early FP Journe Resonances and more, please also check A Collected Man’s in depth article here.