The Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 from Ferdinand Berthoud has been awarded the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix.
The Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 in white gold with its resolutely distinctive character asserts itself by means of an understated yet sophisticated design. Designed to enable light to pour into the movement gear trains, the case reveals fascinating glimpses of the subtle beauty and complexity of these exceptional timepieces. The Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 pays a virtuoso tribute to the incomparable lifework of Ferdinand Berthoud.
“The caracteristic of a fusée is to help maintaining an even action of the spring on the gear train thanks to the changing size of the radius building the spiral.”¹
Stemming from a reflective process undertaken in tribute to the horological genius of Ferdinand Berthoud, the new timepiece from Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud embodies a modern vision of the creations that the master might create if he were still living today. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD, wanted this exceptional new timepiece to represent a continuation of the work of the master chronometer-maker. This was to be done by adopting a contemporary approach guided by the same innovative spirit, while drawing inspiration from the marine chronometers created by the master watchmaker. Housed in an imposing octagonal case with watertight portholes, the new Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 is equipped with an original mechanical hand-wound movement comprising more than 1,120 components. Entirely independently conceived, developed and produced by the Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud in Fleurier, the FB-T.FC calibre features a tourbillon with central seconds, a distinctive pillar-type architecture, an innovative suspended fusée – chain regulating system and a mobile cone indicating power-reserve. Patents have been filed for each of these features.
