F.P. Journe Chronometre a Resonance 10th Anniversary Edition Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Apr 14th 2010 at 12:02PM

It is really too bad that some of the people at F.P. Journe are a pain to deal with, because their watches are typically very nice. Most people I have encountered that own his watches are very happy, and the pieces are cool. Now all the brand needs is a nice slap in the face to move whatever is lodged up their... well you know. Their newest piece is a redo on the Chronometre a Resonance watch from a few years ago. Actually, it was likely 10 years ago given that this is the 10th Anniversary watch of the collection. The complex idea of the movement is that two balance wheels run right next to each other and somehow balance each other out (using "resonance") - creating a type of consistency between the two. Thus, the promise in the watch is that the (essentially) two watches in one are very accurate, and precise in terms of being synced with each other.

I have opted to display the rear of the watch because of how beautiful it is. The symmetrical design of the 18k gold movement is impressively stunning. You can see the two balance wheels right next to each other, almost touching. According to F.P. Journe, adjusting the in-house made Caliber 1499.3 movement is very difficult. The movement further has 297 parts with a power reserve of about 40 hour. Check out the gallery below and you can see the dial. Functions include two watch dials, one using discs and displaying time on a 24 hour scale, and a power reserve indicator.

In a moderately sized case, the watch is available in either a 38 or 40mm wide diameter, as well as in a platinum or 18k rose gold case. The watch is very thin at just 9mm thick. Styling is standard F.P. Journe that you either love or feel ambivalent toward. Though the classic style is unique, and always easy to read. Expect this watch to be available this year, and to be made in a limited manner, although it isn't strictly a limited edition watch.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: F.P. Journe Chronometre a Resonance 10th Anniversary Edition Watch