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Lot Essay
In 2015, the historic name of Ferdinand Berthoud was revived when the brand was re-established and acquired by Chopard, under the leadership of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his team. The goal was clear: to honor the legacy of one of the greatest horologists in history. Produced in a strictly limited series of 50 pieces, the Chronomètre FB 1.1 was the first creation of this new chapter. The purity, accuracy, and scientific rigor of the marine chronometers built by Ferdinand Berthoud in Paris during the Age of Enlightenment for the French King and the French Navy served as the direct inspiration for the FB 1.1's unique octagonal case and contemporary architectural language.
The present timepiece is consigned by the original owner, a discerning collector with a particular appreciation for wristwatches featuring unique complications and intricate design.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1 is powered by the calibre FB-T.FC, an original hand-wound mechanical movement with over 1,120 parts, and is housed in a waterproof octagonal case with porthole-style sapphire apertures. The movement, which was entirely designed, produced, and put together by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud in Fleurier, is based on a pillar construction and exhibits remarkable symmetry between its tourbillon and its fusée-and-chain transmission, an arrangement that directly honors the architecture of historical marine chronometers.
Calibre FB-T.FC features a low-frequency 3 Hz tourbillon with direct-drive seconds indication, combined with a constant-force regulating system incorporating a suspended fusée and chain. A differential winding system and a special suspended mobile-cone power reserve display further improve this technically challenging design, which takes up remarkably little room inside the movement. After almost three years of rigorous research and development, the movement boasts a 53-hour power reserve, outstanding legibility of all indications, and exceptional chronometric performance and regularity, all of which have been certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. A number of its innovative features are covered by patents.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1 won the 2016 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 'Aiguille d'Or' 'Best in Show' award for its technicality, innovation, and modernity the year it was introduced.
Ferdinand Berthoud
Ferdinand Berthoud, who was born in Neuchâtel in 1727, eventually made his home in Paris and was acknowledged as a master watchmaker in 1753. He spent a large portion of his career advancing marine chronometry and was appointed Horologist-Mechanic to the King and the Navy.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1, an elegant blend of historical brilliance and modern high watchmaking, is a testament to his legacy, as his pioneering work established the groundwork for modern precision timekeeping.
The present timepiece is consigned by the original owner, a discerning collector with a particular appreciation for wristwatches featuring unique complications and intricate design.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1 is powered by the calibre FB-T.FC, an original hand-wound mechanical movement with over 1,120 parts, and is housed in a waterproof octagonal case with porthole-style sapphire apertures. The movement, which was entirely designed, produced, and put together by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud in Fleurier, is based on a pillar construction and exhibits remarkable symmetry between its tourbillon and its fusée-and-chain transmission, an arrangement that directly honors the architecture of historical marine chronometers.
Calibre FB-T.FC features a low-frequency 3 Hz tourbillon with direct-drive seconds indication, combined with a constant-force regulating system incorporating a suspended fusée and chain. A differential winding system and a special suspended mobile-cone power reserve display further improve this technically challenging design, which takes up remarkably little room inside the movement. After almost three years of rigorous research and development, the movement boasts a 53-hour power reserve, outstanding legibility of all indications, and exceptional chronometric performance and regularity, all of which have been certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. A number of its innovative features are covered by patents.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1 won the 2016 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 'Aiguille d'Or' 'Best in Show' award for its technicality, innovation, and modernity the year it was introduced.
Ferdinand Berthoud
Ferdinand Berthoud, who was born in Neuchâtel in 1727, eventually made his home in Paris and was acknowledged as a master watchmaker in 1753. He spent a large portion of his career advancing marine chronometry and was appointed Horologist-Mechanic to the King and the Navy.
The Chronomètre FB 1.1, an elegant blend of historical brilliance and modern high watchmaking, is a testament to his legacy, as his pioneering work established the groundwork for modern precision timekeeping.