F.P. Journe Résonance Régence Sells for CHF8.68 Million
An F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance Régence sold for CHF8,680,500 at Phillips’s Geneva Watch Auction XXIV on November 7–8. Phillips published the result on November 8. The auction house’s stated dollar equivalent is $10,588,474.
An engraved dial from the early years
The 2002 watch combines a platinum case with a hand-engraved pink-gold dial. Its geometric decoration takes its name from the French Régence period. Two separate time displays occupy the dial, with paired small-seconds indications below and a power-reserve indicator above.
According to Phillips’s catalog, only three Chronomètre à Résonance examples received this style of engraved dial. The catalog identifies the auctioned watch as the only known example with a shiny pink-gold version; the other two use white gold and a less glossy yellow-gold finish.
Originally made for Swiss retailer Les Ambassadeurs, the watch later appeared in F.P. Journe’s 2020 exhibition marking twenty years of the Résonance. Its accompanying documents include an authenticity certificate dated October 13, 2020, and a copy of the certificate of origin.
CHF31.8 million across thirteen Journe watches
Phillips reports combined proceeds of CHF31,807,850 for thirteen F.P. Journe watches in the sale. The titanium Tokyo Boutique Chronomètre à Résonance reached CHF6,146,000, while a diamond-set platinum Vagabondage III sold for CHF5,057,000.
A pre-production Résonance numbered 022/99R brought CHF4,936,000. The auction house also recorded CHF2,092,500 for a platinum Tourbillon Souverain with a brass movement. The Régence’s own brass caliber has two resonating balances, visible through its transparent back.
The two-day Geneva sale sold all 217 offered lots and totaled CHF92,045,568. Phillips says it is the first live watch auction to exceed $100 million. Phillips registered 2,121 bidders from 69 countries, participating in the room, online and by telephone.
The Régence lot
- Lot: 7, Geneva Watch Auction XXIV.
- Year: 2002.
- Case: Platinum; 38 mm diameter.
- Movement: Hand-wound caliber 1499; 36 jewels.
- Strap: Leather with a platinum F.P. Journe pin buckle.
- Result: CHF8,680,500, as published by Phillips.
Sources: Phillips, official results release, November 8, 2026; Phillips, lot 7 catalog and result; Phillips, full auction results.
