GPHG Index
2016 edition · Ferdinand Berthoud

Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1

Prize winner
Watch image unavailable
Case
White gold, Titanium
Movement
Manual-winding mechanical Power reserve: 53 h, 21600 variations / hours
Functions
Hours, Minutes, Seconds, Power reserve, Tourbillon
Size
44
Thickness
13
Water resistance
30
Reference
FB1.1
Price
212,000 CHF

Description

A contemporary expression for an emblematic name in watchmaking Chronom̩trie 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 fus̩e and chain transmission system, certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, was entirely developed, produced and assembled in the Fleurier workshops of Chronom̩trie 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 Chronom̩trie FERDINAND BERTHOUND in Fleurier, Calibre FB-T.FC features a pillar-structure and a pleasing symmetry between its tourbillon and its original fus̩e 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 fus̩e and chain transmission, enabling it to take up an unusually small place within the movement. The fus̩e 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 fus̩e 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. ��

Supplied by the brand to the GPHG for its entry.