Four years ago, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud unveiled the Chronomètre FB 2RE. This collection featuring numerous innovative aspects introduced the Maison’s second movement, equipped with fusee-and-chain transmission and a one-second remontoir device. This calibre, which has won awards for its precision timekeeping performance, now reveals more of how it operates through the customizable bridges and main plate of the new Chronomètre FB RES.

The Chronomètre FB 2RE is inspired by a skeletonized table clock by Ferdinand Berthoud circa 1775 with four ring-shaped white enameled dials for the hours (I-XII), minutes (60), seconds (60) and calendar (31); months (12) with zodiac signs; days of the week (7) and age of the moon (29 ½). One main gear train and two strikework trains (hours and quarters). Using a “remontoir d’égalité”, the main gear train supplies constant energy to the pin-pallet escapement. The quarters strikework train (left) strikes the quarters on two bells. The hours strikework train (right) is activated after striking the quarters. It also activates the calendar.

In 2020, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud unveiled its second collection, the Chronomètre FB 2RE. This timepiece marked a real turning point for the Maison: the first round case, the first display with three central hands; and above all the first movement with a double regulation system combining fusee-and-chain transmission with a one-second “remontoir d’égalité”.

This movement is now offered with a completely revisited design intended to highlight its sophisticated inner workings. Formerly in domed Grand Feu enamel, the dial now features a technical combination of bridges and a main plate as well as a wide opening stretching from 3 to 6 o'clock. The latter reveals a construction with three bridges converging towards the dial center. This geometry is directly inspired by that skeletonized table clock made by Ferdinand Berthoud circa 1775.

The similarity does not end there, as that clock displaying the hours, minutes, seconds, and age of the Moon, calendar, and zodiac signs was also equipped with a “remontoir d’égalité”. This timepiece in perfect working order is part of the Maison’s heritage and is currently housed in the Ferdinand Berthoud Museum in Fleurier.

At the heart of this timepiece beats the Calibre FB-RES.FC, regulated by fusee-and-chain transmission and a one-second remontoir. The purpose of this full-fledged chronometric complication is to even out the energy coming from the barrel and transmit it to the escapement. The device relies on a spring positioned between the two organs. It temporarily stores a small amount of energy, which is then delivered to the balance. The charge/discharge frequency of this buffer energy is very short: one second. It is this sequential impulse that the large central seconds hand beats off, connected to the “remontoir d’égalité” via an intermediate wheel. It therefore advances in one-second jumps: this is a true-beat mechanism also known as a deadbeat second and generated directly by the remontoire. All these mechanical intricacies are almost entirely visible through the back of the FB RES.

Exposing the movement components of the Chronomètre FB RES opens up unprecedented aesthetic perspectives, while simultaneously revealing a particularly meticulous finishing process with two linear meters of hand chamfering. Each wheel, bridge, and screw is entirely hand-decorated. An extraordinary level of manual finishing has been applied to reveal the beauty of each component. Placed end to end, all the angles of the wheels and their bridges, as well as those revealed at the heart of the 9 o'clock power-reserve display, represent more than two linear meters filed and polished by hand. The finishing of the bridges and main plate is specific to this new model named FB RES, standing in French for "Remontoir d’Égalité Squelette”.

Thirty-eight movements will be produced in total. They will be open to customization in a wide range of options. The shape —round or octagonal— and material —stainless steel, titanium, ceramic titanium, and 18K white, yellow, or rose gold— of the case, the color of the inner bezel ring, the dial, and the associated finishes —sandblasted or satin-brushed— in all, more than 200 variations can be simulated on an online configurator specifically created for this model. Collectors will thus be able to bring to life variations that are unprecedented for Ferdinand Berthoud, notably including a calibre with a remontoir device in an octagonal case.

“We are fortunate to have in our Fleurier Museum this clock made in 1775 by Ferdinand Berthoud, which reveals its movement, including a ‘remontoir d’égalité’, says Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. “Imagining a modern interpretation of this exceptional work seemed a quite logical step. This gave rise to the idea behind the FB RES collection: a skeletonised, more technical version of our own Calibre FB-RE.FC with a one-second remontoire mechanism.”

The Chronomètre FB RES also perpetuates the Maison’s desire to offer collectors the possibility of personalizing their timepieces through a wide range of options offered by this new configurator, directly accessible online on the Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud website. The configurator will be available starting April 9, 2024.

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