Phillips Announces Sale of a Pre‑Production F.P. Journe Resonance Chronometer in November
Phillips will offer a pre‑production F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance, serial number 022/99R, at its Geneva auction in early November. The piece, delivered to its original owner in 1999, is one of only about ten known examples and may set a new price record for the brand, with a pre‑auction estimate of CHF 500,000–1 million. Its 38 mm platinum case, pink‑gold dial, and slightly rougher finishing distinguish it from later models, while the serial number reflects the owner’s birthday (22) and the year of production (1999). The watch follows a recent record sale of another Journe Résonance (no. 007) that fetched $13.9 million, underscoring strong collector interest in independent high‑horology. Phillips’ deputy chairman believes this pre‑production piece could be the earliest commercially delivered Résonance, though F.P. Journe himself cannot confirm. The auction, running November 7‑8, will be part of Phillips’ XXIV Geneva Watch Auction, highlighting the continued demand for rare, technically innovative timepieces.
Buying Time Analysis: The story highlights a rare pre‑production F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance entering a prestigious Phillips auction, underscoring its historic significance, record‑breaking auction results, and potential to set a new market benchmark for independent haute‑horlogerie.
