The winner of the “Aiguille d’Or” prize at last year's 16th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève —GPHG 2016— was awarded to the now two-year old manufacture Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud for their spectacular Chronomètre FB1. This timepiece is an in-House Fusée-Chain Chronometer with Tourbillon. Ferdinand Berthoud is the latest resurrection of a very well-known name in the horological world but forgotten by many. The responsible for the resurrection of the Ferdinand Berthoud name is Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, the co-president of Chopard and founder of Chopard's in-house manufacture L.U.C division.
Ferdinand Berthoud was a master watchmaker and chronometer-maker that left an indelible imprint on history with his fabulous creations, including the 18th century Marine Clocks that guided the vessels of the King of France towards new horizons. Featuring an 18K white gold highly polished 44 mm octagonal case with watertight openings —that allow for lateral view of the movement—, the Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 is powered by a manual wound movement composed of no less 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 power reserve indicator via the dial side.
Fitted on gear wheels with tapering spokes and supported by stylized pillars, the barrel, fusée and tourbillon appear to be suspended in mid-air via the display case back. The entirely hand-decorated half-bridges are satin-finished and bevelled with straight-grained flanks, while the jewels are set in finely polished and chamfered chatons. Fitted with a ruthenium vertical satin brushed dial, an opening at the center reveals the seconds wheel-and-pinion and the driving wheel of the tourbillon carriage. At 12 o'clock a white lacquered subdial shows the time, while a power reserve at 9 o'clock —featuring a scale directly engraved on the mainplate— shows how much power there is left after fully winding the movement. The blued steel hands provide remarkable contrast against the grey background.
A great example of 'haute horlogerie' and a proud recipient of the most coveted award in the world of horology. This watch is available in a limited edition of only 50 pieces.
Sticker Price $250,000 USD. For more info on Ferdinand Berthoud click here.
