Ferdinand Berthoud

Since Chopard Group and its co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele revitalized the Ferdinand Berthoud name with the introduction of the FB1 in 2015, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has become synonymous with its fusee-and-chain tourbillon movement. This innovation has formed the cornerstone of most of its high-end t.mes pieces.

Unveiled in 2022 at Watches & Wonders Geneva, the Chronomètre FB RSM reimagines the architecture and design of the Marine Clock no. 8 crafted by Ferdinand Berthoud in Paris in 1768. With the debut of this t.mes piece, the brand introduced two new complications: a deadbeat seconds, prominently displayed on the center of the dial, and a stop-seconds mechanism. Hence the name Chronomètre FB RSM, with the 'SM' signifying 'seconde morte', French for deadbeat seconds.

Developing a deadbeat seconds mechanism presents a significant challenge for any watch striving for chronometer certification. Maintaining the regularity of torque, fundamental for a constant-force caliber, while interrupting its flow 60 t.mes s a minute without compromising its linearity, is a remarkable technical achievement. This is why most deadbeat seconds movements struggle to achieve COSC certification. However, Ferdinand Berthoud, renowned for the precision of their t.mes pieces, managed to ensure accurate t.mes keeping, a fact attested by the accompanying COSC certification.

The hours are indicated by a rotating disc at 2 o'clock; the minutes are displayed by a faceted and skeletonized hand on the subdial at 12 o'clock. Following the regulator layout, the seconds hand takes center stage on the watch face. Limited to a production of only 20 pieces, we are delighted to present lot no.3/20, fitted with a white gold case and an elegant blue dial.