F. P. Journe

Sotheby's is proud to present this extraordinary example of the rare and early 'Pre-Souscription' platinum Chronomètre à Résonance. Within the world of horology, this timepiece stands as a testament to the genius of François-Paul Journe, a watchmaker renowned for his mastery of craftsmanship and innovation.

The Chronomètre à Résonance is unquestionably Journe’s magnum opus, celebrated for its both aesthetic and technical brilliance. It has long been a symbol of desirability among collectors, with the earliest and scarcest examples occupying a hallowed place in the pantheon of watchmaking excellence.

Before establishing his brand, François-Paul Journe had already showcased his exceptional watchmaking talent through intricate clock and pocket watch restorations for luminaries such as Janvier and Breguet. His expertise extended to crafting complex commissions for prestigious houses like Asprey and Cartier.

Yet, Monsieur Journe faced the financial hurdle of starting his own brand. It was during a casual lunch with his friend Camille Berthet that a groundbreaking idea took shape – the subscription model. A select group of collectors would invest in a watch yet to be created, in return for which they would enjoy a 50% reduction on its retail price. This visionary concept paved the way for the birth of the Souscription Tourbillon, with twenty trusted clients and friends making deposits, sight unseen. These early Souscription Tourbillons laid the foundation for the F.P. Journe manufacture we admire today.

As a gesture to thank his first clients for their support, those who purchased the Souscription Tourbillons were also offered the chance to buy a Souscription Résonance, with a matching number engraved on the rear. However, despite being numbered 1 to 20 and engraved with the suffix 00R for the year 2000, these were not the first Résonance pieces made by the watchmaker.

Two distinct groups, comprising approximately 30 watches, precede the official ‘Souscription’ series: the ‘pre-production’ watches, identified by the suffix '99R' for the year 1999, and the 'pre-souscription' watches, including this present specimen, bearing the suffix '00R.' The latter, like the watch at hand, fall outside the numbering range of 1 to 20. Their case back engravings are distinctly hand-executed, characterized by a shallow depth compared to the bolder, deeper laser-engraved inscriptions found on the official 'Souscription' series.

These early timepieces also bear gold dials that have gracefully matured over time, acquiring a unique patina that cannot be replicated and is exclusive to these horological masterpieces.

In offering the present watch, collectors are granted an exceedingly rare opportunity to own an integral piece of F.P. Journe's history – a true relic of horological innovation. This remarkable example of the Chronomètre à Résonance, adorned with a rhodium-plated brass movement, is a treasure seldom seen on the open market today.

The platinum case, adorned with minor surface scratches, and the dial, which exhibits blemishes on the left subsidiary dial, tell the story of a watch that has been both cherished and used. The gold plate shows signs of oxidation, and the intriguing overall patina bear witness to its journey through time, making it a truly exceptional find for the discerning collector.