The famous brand Ferdinand Berthoud, one of the boutique names of the world of watches, is the guest of our pages with its new limited production model Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 which was introduced at the SIHH 2018 exhibition. The new model draws attention with its Tourbillon-featured mechanism and its regulator-designed dial as well as its octagonal case made of a new ultra-hard stainless steel alloy.
The new model is offered in a cylinder formed case measuring 44mm x 13.95mm whose molecular structure has been reinforced by a thermo-chemical process which provides an exceptional surface hardness of 1200 Vickers and making it extremely robust. The case is also much more corrosion-resistant than regular stainless steel. The case is equipped with AR coated scratch resistant sapphire crystals on both sides and a pair of lateral portholes at 2 and 11 o’clock providing a chance to admire the chain-and-fusee mechanism in action. The case is water resistant to 30 meters and it sports a Dynamometric crown (uncoupling system) in stainless steel.
Ferdinand Berthoud - Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 is equipped with a regulator style dial featuring three small apertures, showing the hours, original power display and a hand engraved pyramid motif open-worked area. As described with the movement, the seconds hand is central and can be read with the scale located around the outer edge of the dial. The hands on the FB 1R-6.1 are reinterpreted from various hand shapes used by Ferdinand Berthoud in various timepieces. The minutes hand is 18k gold while the seconds hand is bronze. Both the fixed hour markers and power reserve are made of steel.
The model is powered by the Caliber FB-T.FC.R. The hand-wound caliber sports 18 nickel silver bridges with titanium pillars surrounding the heart. This style construction would have been typical in 18th century marine chronometers and allows the symmetrical equilibrium of the movement.
The movement features an upside-down barrel and fusee design. Each element is suspended, allowing for the watchmakers to save on the thickness of the watch. The movement itself is just 9.89mm thick which is exceptionally thin for this complicated watch. Within the movement are the barrel and fusee, linked by a chain of 474 steel links and is 28cm long. This chain has a maximum tension exercised upon it in up to three kilos.
Caliber FB-T.FC.R beats at 21.600vph and offers 53 hours of power reserve when fully wound. 49 jewels movement is also equipped with Tourbillon feature composed of 67 parts and it is COSC certified.
Hand-made from high-quality black alligator leather, the strap of the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 is secured to the wrist by a folding equipped with a safety mechanism. The strap may also be fitted with a 20mm pin buckle if preferred.
The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 is a 20-piece limited edition.
