F. P. Journe

In 1665, the Dutch mathematician, physicist, engineer, astronomer, and inventor Christiaan Huygens observed that two pendulum clocks, when mounted on the same beam, would eventually start swinging together in perfect harmony. This phenomenon, now known as resonance, occurs when objects in close proximity interact through synchronized oscillations. The idea fascinated horologists like Antide Janvier and Abraham-Louis Breguet, who experimented with and refined it.

In 1983, François-Paul Journe, a celebrated modern watchmaker, created a pocket watch utilizing this resonance effect. Nearly 17 years later, he became the first to apply it in a wristwatch. The watch’s movement features two independent balance wheels that interact through resonance to synchronize, effectively stabilizing each other’s minor discrepancies for enhanced precision. This design marked a significant achievement in watchmaking, enhancing accuracy by reducing the impact of external forces on the movement.

The current watch is the fourth series of the Résonance. Launched in 2020 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original Chronomètre à Résonance, this watch was available in either pink gold or platinum, with a choice of white or pink gold dials. The fourth series is a significant update for the model, with a complete redesign in both mechanics and appearance. Replacing the caliber 1499, the new caliber 1520 now features a single barrel, distributing power evenly through a differential to two escapements, each with its own one-second remontoire for consistent power. This ensures steady amplitude across its 42-hour reserve, unlike the original where amplitude decreased as power waned. Additionally, the winding crown has moved to the 2 o’clock position due to the reworked gear train. The new "Series 4" dial design merges two dials within a single frame, retaining the 24-hour display of the previous model while refining its modern appeal.

The current Chronomètre à Résonance is elevated in both beauty and exclusivity by its Black Label dial, a rarity available only to existing F.P. Journe owners and offered solely through the brand’s official F.P. Journe boutiques, with only two examples of each reference delivered to each boutique every year. Known for its exceptionally limited production, this Black Label dial adds an extra layer of exclusivity to an already exceptional timepiece.