To safeguard collectors’ interests, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud limits new watch movements to 20

 

Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud wants to achieve absolute excellence, a goal necessarily implying limited watch production.

Only 20 examples of the new Régulateur Squelette movement will be produced and housed in a choice of round or octagonal cases. The calibre FB-T.FC-RS with tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission thus heralds a new approach for Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, enabling collectors to appreciate the rarity of precision mechanics while choosing the case design that suits them best.

lt would have been inconceivable, almost three centuries ago, for someone to acquire a pocket watch or clock not
entirely made to match one’s personal taste. Over time, this consideration gradually ebbed away, replaced by
standardisation as watches became widely distributed products.

Nonetheless, this approach, which enabled watchmaking to flourish in an unprecedented way, does not fully
correspond to the spirit of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud.

In a bid to strengthen ties with the original inspiration of its founder, Ferdinand Berthoud (1727 – 1807), the Manufacture bearing his name is introducing an evolved version of its business model: as of now, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud will communicate the total number of units for each inhouse-made calibre.

“Our primary objective is to safeguard collectors’ interests,» explains Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud.

“By explicitly specifying a predetermined number of movements, we engage in a fully transparent procedure. Collectors are as sensitive to the rarity of their timepiece as they are to that of the calibre powering it. By communicating about both, we are placing watch movements and customers firmly front and centre, thus preserving the integrity of their collection.”

This new mindset is embodied by a first creation: the Régulateur Squelette FB RS, a new model based on the FB-
T.FC-RS calibre.

For the first time, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has announced that the production of this movement will be strictly limited to 20 in all.

The FB-T.FC-RS calibre is the first skeleton movement produced by the Manufacture. This regulator-type
chronometer movement with tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission is the result of comprehensive technical
and aesthetic development and is inspired by Marine Clock No. 8, produced by the master-watchmaker in Paris in
1768. Through the opening visible at 2 o’clock, a large-diameter sapphire disc indicates the hours, while minutes
are read off on the dial offset to 12 o’clock. The seconds are displayed on a flat sapphire inner bezel ring
surrounding the dial.

The bridges have been entirely designed to ensure an admirable view of the choreography performed by the imposing tourbillon carriage appearing on the dial side. Many components feature black PVD coating, alternating with polished, matt, vertical satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes.

The tourbillon bridge visible on the dial side is in itself a tour de force, with its mirror-polished and chamfered
surfaces, polished flanks, and sandblasted underside. The decoration alone of each movement thus requires
dozens of different craftsmanship skills. Nearly a year of trials was needed to achieve this level of finishing, enabling the complexity of this new movement on the dial side to be fully admired for the first time.

The FB-T.FC-RS calibre features a pillar-type structure in which the barrel and the reverse fusee are both suspended and patented. This fusee-and-chain transmission mechanism is inspired by that of Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine chronometers. It ensures the distribution of energy by delivering “constant force” to the tourbillon with its direct-drive seconds. This novel construction is the third patent to be filed.

Finally, the fourth patent applies to the power reserve indicator. Visible on the case-back side, a suspended
truncated cone moves up and down along an arbor connected to the barrel. A feeler spindle in the form of a mobile
arm tipped with a watch jewel reflects the state of wind of the barrel thanks to its position on the cone. It transmits the information to the power-reserve hand on the dial side by means of flat levers and a spiral spring.

Like all Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud movements, the FB-T.FC-RS calibre is officially chronometer-certified
and was submitted to the Fleuritest during its development phase.

The choice of watch exterior – from among the various combinations offered by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud
– will be left to the collector. Henceforth, the Manufacture will be offering two variations: the FB 1RS.6 with an
octagonal case in carburised stainless steel and the FB 2RS.2 with a round case in 18-carat rose gold. This
carburised steel has had its molecular structure reinforced, making its surface (1200 Vickers) extremely resistant to scratches and corrosion. The gold is of certified ethical origin.