François-Paul Journe reinvents and masters one of the most iconic watchmaking pieces of the last few decades. Here is a first look at the 2020 Chronomètre a Résonance, including specs and a historical perspective.
BY MARCO GABELLA
Co-Founder - Executive Publisher
Along with the Tourbillon Souverain, the Chronomètre À Résonance is without a doubt one of the most emblematic F.P.Journe creations. Launched 20 years ago, the original Chronomètre À Résonance is still as unique today, using the only movement employing the natural phenomenon of Résonance as defined by Christian Huygens and first applied by Antide Janvier in the 18th century.
As watch enthusiasts all over the world asked ourselves how François-Paul Journe could improve on the stunning original model, the next evolution of the Chronomètre À Résonance was hotly anticipated.
At first look, the 2020 Chronomètre à Résonance looks to be a totally new construction and not just a simple evolution of an existing caliber. Indeed, the entire energy distribution chain has been fundamentally redesigned to obtain the optimal isochronal frequency.
Unlike previous versions, the 2020 F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance has only a single barrel mainspring providing power for the two movements. Then a differential, visible through the center of the dial, simultaneously transmits the energy towards the two secondary gear trains. Each of the two movements is equipped with a remontoir d’égalité (constant-force device) set at a frequency of one second. This architecture permits the escapements to receive a linear force over a 28-hour period and ensuring isochronism.
The Chronomètre à Résonance's other main evolution is the redesigned case. To make winding the watch easier, the crown is now placed at 2 o’clock instead of the 12 o’clock position as with previous versions. And as every Chronomètre à Résonance owner can confirm, setting the watch was no easy feat when the crown was at the 12 o’clock position, wedged in the small space between the case and the strap. Additionally, pulling the crown at 4 o’clock will simultaneously reset both second counters.
Since 2000, early versions of the Chronomètre à Résonance were displaying two times, indicated in 12-hour time. Then in 2010, F.P.Journe completed the first major evolution of the historic movement by introducing the digital 24 hours Chronomètre à Résonance
Some early adopters may miss the symmetry of the references from the first decade, but they will soon discover the 2020 edition’s 24-hour analog indicator and the pleasure it can bring.
As is typical of F.P.Journe collections, the watch is available in platinum or 18K 6N Gold. Respectively, the dials are made in18K white or 6N Gold with 24-hour and 12-hour subdials in whitened Silver Guilloché clous de Paris, a finishing introduced in 2019 with the Tourbillon Souverain Vertical dial.
Soon, we will have the pleasure of seeing this marvel in person and will give you more insight, including a dedicated photoshoot.
Price, CHF 101'400 (excluded VAT) in 18K 6N gold; CHF 105'000 (Exluded VAT) in platinum. Limited production but not a limited edition; expected in F.P. Journe boutiques mid-2020.
(Images provided by F.P.Journe)