F.P. Journe Chronometre a Resonance “RQ aka Eiffel Tower” Platinum/Salmon

Up for grabs is an F.P. Journe Resonance

“RQ” reference (or Résonance Quatre), which is the fourth and most radical generation of FPJ Resonance.

The reference RQ marked the 20th anniversary of the Chronomètre à Résonance, reintroducing the model with many updates and changes. The 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) remontoirs 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. (Credit Hairspring).

The current variant is a special order, which is not displayed in the catalog. The catalog shows the more frequent platinum/gray and pink/pink combos (as well as the Black Label and Boutique Edition), but in order to be able to order this particular combo with salmon dial and platinum case, well, you’d have to be an existing client at minimum, most likely.

The watch is in excellent used condition without any dings or dents or deep scratches, it also appears unpolished. The warranty card is dated in late 2021.

The dial is very attractive, damage-free with beautiful matte salmon/pink color and silver subdials with guilloche.

The back of the watch is even more impressive with Cal. 1520 displayed in all of its glory, showing the the remontoirs d’egalités.

This watch comes on a factory, light green FPJ gator strap in excellent condition, mounted on a factory FPJ platinum buckle.

Original box set, and unused FPJ polishing cloth are included.