A Unique F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance for the Ball in Monaco Charity Auction

Phillips supports F.P.Journe in the auction of a unique Chronomètre À Résonance to benefit The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation at the 2024 “Ball in Monaco” in Singapore on 27 November.

SINGAPORE – 21 November 2024 - F.P.Journe renews its commitment to the “Ball in Monaco” for the third time by partnering with Phillips to support the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. For this 9th edition, F.P.Journe presents an exclusive Chronomètre à Résonance, succeeding previous pieces offered at auction during past editions: the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante in 2018 and the Chronomètre Optimum in 2022.

Thomas Perazzi, Head of Watches Asia at Phillips, comments: “Phillips is extremely humbled and honored to be have been chosen as supporting auctioneer for the unique F.P.Journe Chronomètre à Résonance that will be offered at the 2024 “Ball in Monaco - Glacier Edition” in Singapore. This exquisite timepiece will gather the finest collectors’ interest and exceed the previous F.P.Journe record obtained at the 2022 edition.”

The “Ball in Monaco - Glacier Edition”, to be held at Marina Bay Sands on 27 November, 2024, in Singapore, will bring together global leaders, philanthropists, and collectors in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and guest of honor Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs. This year's theme, "The Glaciers," aligns with the United Nations General Assembly's declaration of the decade from 2025 to 2034 as the "Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences." It underscores the urgent need to understand and protect the world's Cryospheric resources, which are essential for climate regulation and freshwater supply.

This one-of-a-kind watch, bearing serial number 638-RQ, is engraved with “S.A.S Albert II Singapore 2024” on the movement and features a burgundy color and ruthenium-plated guilloché Silver dial. The right dial displays modern Chinese numerals, while the left dial showcases numerals inspired by Oracle Bone Script - the earliest form of Chinese writing, dating back over 3,000 years to the late Shang dynasty (c. 1250-1050 BCE), traditionally carved onto bones or shells.

The Chronomètre à Résonance is the only wristwatch in the world that uses acoustic resonance. This mechanism is based on the interaction of two independent balance wheels, which harmonize as they oscillate in opposition. François-Paul Journe first took up this challenge in 1983 with a pocket watch, and forty years later, the Chronomètre à Résonance remains an iconic model in F.P.Journe’s collections.

The back of this 40mm Platinum watch reveals two 18K rose Gold movements, connected by a differential, which distributes the force from the mainspring independently to each secondary gear train. Each is equipped with a Remontoir d’Égalité, ensuring a linear and stable transmission of the force to the two balance wheels, which alternate in their roles as exciter and resonator. This phenomenon is only achievable if the frequency difference does not exceed five seconds per day cumulated on six positions, adjusting extremely delicate. In the event of external disturbance, such as a shock, the resonance effect ensures that the deceleration of one balance wheel is countered by the acceleration of the other, allowing them to regain their point of synchronization and eliminating any external influence. Thanks to this architecture, the Chronomètre à Résonance redefines precision standards in contemporary watchmaking.

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