Chronomètre FB 1.1

A contemporary expression for an emblematic name in watchmaking

Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD unveils its first exceptional model, crafted in two exclusive series of 50 watches each. The resolutely contemporary new FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 Chronometer is inspired by the pure, uncluttered design and extreme precision of the Marine Clocks developed in Paris by the illustrious Swiss watchmaker during the Age of Enlightenment for the French King and the French Navy. Housed in an octagonal case with watertight portholes, its Calibre FB-T.FC tourbillon movement with an original fusée and chain transmission system, certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, was entirely developed, produced and assembled in the Fleurier workshops of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD.

Calibre FB-T.FC, a movement housing unprecedented mechanisms

The FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 chronometer is powered by an original mechanical hand-wound movement comprising more than 1,120 components. Entirely developed, produced and assembled by Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUND in Fleurier, Calibre FB-T.FC features a pillar-structure and a pleasing symmetry between its tourbillon and its original fusée and chain mechanism.

Calibre FB-T.FC is equipped with a remarkable low-frequency (3 Hz) tourbillon featuring a direct-drive seconds display and a constant-force regulating device with suspended fusée and chain transmission, enabling it to take up an unusually small place within the movement. The fusée is equipped with a differential-winding system as well as a unique “suspended mobile cone” power-reserve mechanism. The result of almost three years’ research and development, culminating in cutting-edge reliability tests, Calibre FB-T.FC delivers exceptional precision and rating regularity duly certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), along with 53 hours’ autonomy and optimal readability of its hours, minutes, seconds and power-reserve functions. A patent has been filed for its unprecedented mechanisms.

The refinement of an authentic chronometer

The 18-carat gold 44 mm case of the FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 chronometer is octagonal-shaped and inspired by the structure of the marine chronometers developed by the Swiss master watchmaker. Its sides open onto four watertight portholes revealing the subtle workings of the movement, while the transparent case-back affords a fascinating view of the tourbillon as well as the suspended fusée and chain. A domed and arched sapphire crystal enables optimal readability of the dial indications, while the inter-horn space clothed in titanium for the white gold case and black ceramic for the rose gold case is secured by bolts whose similar to those used by Ferdinand Berthoud for his marine clocks.

The face of precision

Focusing firmly on time read-off and its precise measurement, the dial of the FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 Chronometer displays the hours, minutes, seconds and power reserve in a resolutely understated manner. The off-set hours and minutes tick by on a lacquered dial. A translucent sapphire inner bezel ring bears the seconds scale. The cut-out dial centre reveals two large wheels turning in opposite directions. Meanwhile, the movement power reserve is indicated in a counter engraved on the mainplate.