The Chronomètre à Résonance is FP Journe's quintessential complication, arguably his landmark work, and the greatest acoustic resonance wristwatch ever made. In the words of Rexhep Rexhepi, 'When I think of FP Journe, I think of the Resonance.' Here in a very classic salmon dial and platinum case, this 'RQ' series (Resonance Quatre) marks the 20th Anniversary of the model and represents the most radical reworking of the model since its introduction.
The 378-component, pink gold calibre 1520 in this RQ varies from everything that came previously in that all its 42 hours of power reserve come from a single mainspring barrel, rather than a pair for each balance, and dual remontoirs. Here, single mainspring power is split through a new differential mechanism to two individual (one-second frequency) remontoir d’egalités, each applying a constant, unwavering torque to the dual resonating balances. Even with the new dual-remontoir, the 1520 incorporates an almost perfect symmetry with purposeful deviations. For example, the left hand balance is fixed, while the right hand balance can be set via a narrowing pin to optimize resonant effects. Interestingly, the crowns have changed commensurately. The upper crown which winds and sets both dials has moved from 12 to 2, the lower crown simultaneously resets both petite seconds whilst re-syncing the balances. There is a deeply pleasing mechanical sensation to the resistance when one pulls the reset crown. The proportions remain remarkably compact for all the additional complexity here, 40mm and 11mm thin. Hand finishing adorns every millimeter of gold: broad handmade bevels from a wood cabron, delicate inner angles, perlage, côtes de genève, hand engraving, and black polish screws set in chamfered slots.
These mechanical differences reflect in dial aesthetics, where we now observe a small openworking centered around the new differential bridge between both dials. Due to this bridge and partially opened dial, the RQ is starting to earn the nickname 'Eiffel Tower'. As a crown to the complex mechanical achievements underneath, the RQ for the first time unites both clou de Paris guilloché dials with a single artful, abstract shape instead of having two separated displays. To reflect the longer 42 hour reserve, the reserve indication has been simplified and made symmetrical, which frees up negative space and just lets the topmost dial real estate breathe. The overall impact of these changes is not slight, this is a deeply harmonious dial which shows offs FP's ability to play with negative space, abstract form, mechanical hints, and exceptional handcraft. This example contrasts that daring harmony with a rather classic palette in salmon, made from the same pink gold as its calibre.
The Resonance is not just FP Journe at his best, though it is his signature. The Resonance is independent watchmaking at its best: inspired from AL Breguet pocket watches and pendulum clocks, then through painstaking generational evolution hewn into something in wristwatch format, far more mechanically complex (particularly now in RQ) and yet far more precise. The RQ is a creative endeavor, overflowing with both genius mechanical solutions and a proclivity toward harmony in design, uniting classic and modern aesthetics seamlessly. Foremost, however, it is a watch that offers a clear window into François-Paul's mind and his singleness of vision. You feel the watchmaker's identity, ambition, and soul every time you set it. And that's what independent watchmaking should do: inspire.
