In celebration of the Chronomètre à Résonance‘s 20th anniversary, F.P. Journe is introducing a new model. The new 2020 Chronomètre à Résonance is notably different to its predecessors, which were discontinued last year. Crucially, it has a brand new rose-gold calibre (1520), which powers the watch using a single (rather than the previous double) mainspring barrel. Resonance watches are extremely challenging to create; they require two balances to sync up and beat in harmony (thanks to the resonance phenomenon), omitting any mechanical transmission. This keeps both balances at a much more stable rate.
The highly complex 2020 model sticks to using traditional materials. It is housed in a case made from either platinum or 18-carat 6N rose gold, available in either 40 or 42 mm. The case itself has also been redesigned, with the a crown now positioned at 2 o’clock to wind the watch and set the time. Meanwhile, the second crown lies at 4 o’clock and simultaneously resets both small seconds. Meanwhile, the dial is either created with 18-carat white or 6N gold.
The two hour whitened silver hour subdials are decorated with guilloché clous de Paris. The subdial at 9 o’clock indicates the home timezone on a 24-hour-scale, while the subdial at 3 o’clock indicates local hours. Blued steel hands add a splash of colour to the subdials. Furthermore, two small seconds indications are placed below each dial, while the watch’s power reserve is shown at 12 o’clock. Finally, the watch calibre’s differential system is partly exposed in the centre of the dial.
As before, the new Chronomètre à Résonance still features its recognisable double balance design. The highly complex hand-wound movement consists of 378 components and 62 jewels. It has a 48-hour power reserve and a frequency of 3 Hz. The calibre 1520 in rose-gold has only one, large barrel spring, which provides power for both movements. A differential on the first wheel serves to transmit balance spring’s energy to the two secondary gear trains. Both independent gear trains are equipped with the manufacture’s one-second frequency remontoir d’égalité mechanism, providing constant force to their individual escapements. This is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback.
Notably, the calibre’s ‘efficient running time’ is roughly 28 hours, as after this amount of time, the mainspring can no longer rewind the remontoird’égalité spring. Therefore, the watch should be wound daily in order to ensure optimal performance.
The Chronomètre à Résonance will be available in boutiques from mid-2020. Although the watches are not a limited edition, they are currently limited in their production. The watch is presented on either a black alligator leather strap (two variations available) or an 18-carat 6N gold bracelet. It is water-resistant to 30 m.
Swiss watchmaker Christophe Claret has added a sixth edition to its Poker collection. The new watch comes in a 45 mm black PVD-treated grade 5 titanium case. Aside from telling the time, the 2020 Poker watch's blue titanium dial allows three players to take part in a game of Texas Hold’em. Furthermore, the caseback features…
Vacheron Constantin is updating its Patrimony with the introduction of a new 39 mm case for its manual-winding model, alongside a new dial and strap colours. The Patrimony moon phase retrograde date is also enjoying a new look. The collection's subtle yet effective facelift comes as the minimalist line celebrates its 20th year in the…
Breitling and the Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina are launching a second limited edition of its Top Time Deus Chronograph. The 2021 Top Time Deus Limited Edition sold out incredibly quickly. With Breitling Top Time chronographs first making an appearance in 1964, Willy Breitling was the brains behind this sportier, more modern alternative to…
Swiss manufacture is introducing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Moon, the first timepiece of the maison to combine a moonphase display and a tourbillon. The new timepiece also features a pink-gold case and a peripheraldate display. The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Tourbillon Moon is housed in a 41.5 mm Le Grand Rose Gold case.…
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Conquest collection, Longines is presenting the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve. The watch is based on a historic model from 1959, the ref. 9028, which integrated a power reserve indicator in the centre of the dial by means of two rotating discs. The reincarnation that just launched offers…
The Chopard L.U.C Strike One integrates a Sonnerie au Passage that strikes a note every full hour. The limited edition comes in a 40 mm white gold case and presents the characteristic brand codes on the dial. Previously, a variant in roségold was available. The exposed hammer reveals the complication. Using the pusher in the…
Jaeger-LeCoultre is introducing two new Memovox models, one of which is the Master Control Memovox. The Memovox collection's history dates back to the 1940s. As the post-war economy improved, the brand developed the Memovox and its mechanical alarm in the spirit of the innovative, late-40s Zeitgeist. The new watch, like its sibling, is housed in…
Oris is introducing a limited edition in the form of a new watch with a deep green dial – the Oris Aquis Hangang Limited Edition. The Oris timepiece is helping to support a Seoul-based project to clean up South Korea’s Hangang River. In order to do this, Oris is pairing up with Seoul KFEM, part…
Audemars Piguet expands its Code 11.59 collection with two new models in stainless steel. These timepieces feature a grey dial and strap, complemented by the brand’s signature "Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50" accents. Available in both Selfwinding and Selfwinding Chronograph versions, these watches showcase the collection’s unique design and meticulous craftsmanship. Let’s take a closer look…
Since its founding in 2018, Norqain has firmly established the Independence collection as a core part of its portfolio, positioned within the segment of high-performance, lightweight watches designed for sporting activities. Over the years, the collection has produced models distinguished by expressive colours, often bold designs, and equal technical significance for Norqain: in 2024, the…
Greubel Forsey presents the Hand Made 2, a watch that embodies the brand’s commitment to traditional watchmaking. With this timepiece, the independent manufacturer pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and precision. The Hand Made 2 is the second model in the Hand Made collection, following the Hand Made 1, which debuted in 2019. While the first…
Watchmaker Richard Mille is introducing a brand new model in the form of the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne. As its name suggests, the watch draws on the influence of aeronautics. Featuring a 5N red-gold and Carbon TPT case, the watch integrates a tourbillon and is a limited edition of only 50 pieces. Case & Materials…
Together with Aston Martin, Girard Perregaux presents the Tourbillon with Three Flying Bridges - Aston Martin Limited Edition. This watch is the result of the partnership between the two brands and thus combines motorsport with watchmaking. With a case made of lightweight titanium, the watch remains as discreet as Aston Martin's elegant British sports cars.…