This F.P. Journe Pre-Souscription Chronomtre Rsonance is one of the earliest Rsonance watches produced by the watchmaker, believed to be one of the first30 pieces to ever leave the manufacture. Made prior to the Souscription Rsonance watches, it features a range of distinctive features from the two-tone sub-dials to the hand-applied shallow engravings on the caseback, with the intensity and character of this piece is particularly noteworthy.

Making A Name For Himself

Prior to launching his own brand, Francois-Paul Journe had already proven his skill as a talented watchmaker. Having spent time restoring clocks and pocket watches from the likes of Janvier and Breguet, he had also completed complex commissions for Asprey and Cartier, among others. In his own time, the young watchmaker had also already assembled a pocket watch integrating a tourbillon, by following the writings of Dr. George Daniels, as well as a handful of prototype wristwatches integrating a tourbillon and remontoir dgalit systems. However, Journe had not yet established his own brand, lacking the capital to do so.

One day, while out to lunch, his friend Camille Berthet suggested a subscription model. The idea was simple; a few trusting clients would have put the money forward for a watch that was yet to be made. In exchange for this good faith, they would receive a 50% reduction on its retail value, allowing the watchmaker to raise just enough money to start the production of pieces under his own eponymous brand. The project behind the Souscription Tourbillon was born, with twenty close clients and friends of the watchmaker committing a deposit, sight unseen. These early wristwatches became the foundation of the F.P. Journe manufacture we know today.

The Pre-Souscription Rsonance

With the prototypes displayed at his first Basel Fair in 1999, the Chronomtre Rsonance followed shortly after the initial Tourbillon. 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 Rsonance, with a matching number engraved on the rear.

However, despite being numbered 1 to 20, these were not the first Rsonance pieces made by the watchmaker. In fact, throughout Journes work, case numbers are not necessarily reflective of the order in which the watches were produced. While Journe reserved the first twenty numbers for the Souscription Rsonances, some pieces were actually produced prior to these. They have come to be referred to by collectors as the Pre-Souscription Rsonances.

Bearing a serial number below 50, this example is therefore one of the first 30 Chronomtre Rsonance watches ever made and sold. It presents a range of distinctive features, from the early two-tone subdials to the shallow engraving applied by hand on the caseback (as opposed to the deeper engravings applied by laser on later examples, including the Souscription Rsonance watches). It is believed that around 40 to 50 Rsonances with shallow engravings are in existence, which pre-date the Souscription pieces.

A Foundational Design

The design of this Pre-Souscription Rsonance has come to define the visual aesthetic of all Rsonance wristwatches from the manufacture to this very day. It demonstrates a whole range of hand-made details, which lend a sense of craftsmanship and charm to this early piece. Indeed, the dial layout reinforces this artisanal spirit, with exposed screws and stark, contrasting surfaces. This aesthetic was honed by Journe during the creation of his early prototype wristwatches, which had the sub-dials screwed directly onto the base plate of the movement, made of traditional gold-plated brass.

The yellow gold dial is wonderfully textured and displays two separate silver guilloch dials for the hours and minutes. The words Invenit et Fecit are inscribed below the two subsidiary seconds (Latin for Invented and Made or more literally Designed and built by F.P. Journe) in classic F.P Journe style a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. At twelve oclock, a power reserve indicator of 42 hours is displayed, with a thinner font used for the numerals than those found on later models.

The intensity and shimmer of the dials gradually diminish throughout the lifespan of the Rsonance. As with the Tourbillon, the production process and lacquer on the dial was progressively upgraded, resulting in dials that didnt oxidise. As is to be expected, this example shows a rather remarkable level of intensity, reflection, and shimmer. It also features early two-tone subdials, where the minute and hour track are silver, and the guilloch pattern in the middle is a crisp white colour, which lends further contrast to the design.

The watch is housed in a 38mm platinum case, integrating F.P. Journes signature flat crown with a rope-like pattern. The serial number on the back correctly displays the Pre-Souscription Rsonances serial number, in the 0XX/00R format. The engravings are noticeably shallower than those found on later examples, having been applied by hand a feature also found on the Souscription Tourbillon. Only the first 40 to 50 Rsonance watches are believed to feature this distinctive style. Shortly thereafter, Journe transitioned to using a laser to apply these, which results in deeper and more consistent engravings.

If sold within the United Kingdom, this F.P.Journe Pre-Souscription Chronomtre a Rsonance will be subject to 20% VAT.

Closer look

This F.P. Journe Chronomtre a Rsonance is in very good condition overall, with some superficial marks throughout consistent with wear over time (most notably on the bezel and sides of the case). The hallmarks and engravings on the caseback remain crisp and defined. The gold dial shows signs of oxidation, with some light marks on the subdials consistent with ageing across similar examples. The watch comes with a two-year warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.