Ferdinand Berthoud devoted his life to experimentation and to passing on his knowledge by publishing numerous specialized works and training apprentices. The Chronomètre FB RSM continues this tradition by enabling a young watchmaker from the University of Neuchâtel to participate in the development of the movement as part of his graduation project. The Chronomètre FB 2RSM.2-1 is a tourbillon regulator with the fusee-and-chain transmission, and for the very first time, it incorporates an independent deadbeat seconds visible on the dial side and a stop-seconds mechanism.

The creation of a deadbeat seconds mechanism is a major challenge for any watch that claims to earn chronometer certification. Since the regularity of the torque is the essence of a constant-force calibre, interrupting its flow 60 times a minute without compromising its linearity is a true technical feat – which is why the majority of deadbeat seconds movements fail to achieve COSC certification.

The Chronomètre FB RSM reinterprets the architecture and design of the Marine Clock No. 8 produced by the master clockmaker in Paris in 1768. Only 20 movements will be produced, and several key exterior elements can be chosen by the collector. They may be fitted inside a round or octagonal case measuring 4 mm in diameter. The FB 2RSM.2-1 with a round 18K rose gold case and 18K rose gold satin-finish dial with black rhodium treatment is one of the variations offered by the manufacture.

On the dial side we get an open-worked regulator plate in vertical satin-brushed finish and hand-engraved 18K gold with black rhodium treatment, 18K rose gold or white gold minutes hand, gilded steel fixed hours pointer, gilded central seconds hand in titanium, and 18K white gold power reserve hand with blue CVD treatment on the back of the movement. The hours are read off via a rotating sapphire crystal disc at 2 o'clock; the minutes are indicated by a facetted and skeletonized hand on the subdial at 12 o'clock; and, as a symbol of precision, the seconds hand occupies a central position on the watch face to see the dead beat seconds spectacle in full.

The Movement

The watch is powered by the manual wound calibre FB-T.FC.RSM is composed of 1,169 parts and 60 jewels and provides a power reserve of 53 hours when fully wound. The movement is fully visible via the display case back and is a real treat for the eyes with exquisite ‘haute horlogerie’ finishes.

On the Wrist & Price

On the wrist, the watch wears slightly bigger than 44 mm but simply flawlessly. Available in a limited edition of only 20 pieces the watch is delivered on an alligator strap and equipped with a pin buckle matching the metal of the case. The great thing about the new Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2RSM.2-1 is that only 20 movements will be produced, and several key exterior elements can be chosen by the collector upon request.

Sticker Price CHF270,000 Swiss Francs —approximately $285,000 USD. For more info on Ferdinand Berthoud click here.