Singapore, November 27, 2024 – F.P.Journe renewed 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 presented an exclusive Chronomètre à Résonance, auctioned for the exceptional amount of SG$4,000,000, succeeding previous pieces offered at auction during past editions: the Chronographe Monopoussoir Rattrapante in 2018 and the Chronomètre Optimum in 2022.
The "Ball in Monaco - Glacier Edition", held at Marina Bay Sands on November 27, in Singapore, brought 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, 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 colour 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 featuring acoustic resonance. This mechanism is based on the interaction of two independent balance wheels, which harmonise 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.
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, offered at the 2024 "Ball in Monaco - Glacier Edition" in Singapore."
