HRONOMÈTRE FB 3 “ONLY WATCH”
For its second participation in Only Watch, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is offering a new version of the FB3 collection: a one-of-a-kind model presented in a patinated bronze case, a tribute to the ‘Master Watchmaker’ title granted to Ferdinand Berthoud just 270 years ago.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
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Since then, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has unveiled new movements, the latest of which powers the FB 3 collection. The conditions were therefore ripe for the creation of a model that would unite these latest developments: a one-of - a - kind timepiece in patinated bronze, driven by a balance with a cylindrical balance-spring chronometer-certified by the COSC. Thus emerged the idea of the Chronomètre FB 3 "Only Watch", which will be put up for bidding at the eponymous auction to be held in Geneva on 5 November.
One-of-a-kind anniversary model
Several months of preparation and testing were necessary to achieve the patinated bronze case of the Chronomètre FB 3 Only Watch. The colour and nuances are unprecedented and evoke to the discerning gaze the patina that naturally develops on the copper alloys of the precision and navigation instruments supplied by Ferdinand Berthoud during the 18 t h century.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
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Beating inside the FB 3 "Only Watch" model is the world’s only calibre with a cylindrical balance- spring of ficially chronometer- certified by the COSC, a clear tribute to the quest for precision initiated by Ferdinand Berthoud. Many months of research, testing and fine-tuning were necessary to define the number of coils and the geometry of the terminal curve at the attachment points.
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This new mechanical hand - wound movement stems from more than three years of research and development. Appearing at 9 o'clock, the three main escapement organs – the balance-wheel, pallet - lever and escape-wheel – are thus individualised, distinct and prominent.
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This ample space dedicated to the regulating organ enables its operation to be admired in full, and the cylindrical balance- spring to be seen beating throughout the three-day power reserve, including through a large por thole created in the case middle at 9 o'clock.
Colour filiation
The finishing associated with the FB 3 "Only Watch" model (ref . FB 3SPC. 5) is tailored to reflect the colour codes of the 2023 edition of this charity auction. More than 100 hours of work were required to decorate the movement, which features 3N yellow gilded components. The blue colour is picked up on the gold hands with CVD treatment.
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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: CHRONOMÈTRE FB 3 Bronze “Only Watch” 2023 Unique Piece
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Ref. FB 3SPC.5
CASE
- Round case in brown patinated bronze with a transparent sapphire ‘porthole’ at 9 o’clock
Total diameter: 42.30 mm
Thickness: 9.43 mm
Water resistance: 30 metres
Crown diameter: 8.50 mm
Crown in brown patinated bronze with FB logo in titanium
Exhibition back in sandblasted titanium fitted with a glare-proofed sapphire crystal pane
Domed sapphire crystal glare-proofed on both sides
DIAL
Eggshell-coloured peripheral inner bezel ring for the hours and minutes, in sandblasted silver-toned brass
Eggshell-coloured seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, in sandblasted silver-toned brass
Sandblasted and 3N gilded visible components of Calibre FB-SPC
Hands
Facetted and skeletonised and open-tipped hours and minutes hands in 18-carat gold with blue CVD treatment
Seconds hand with counterweight in 18-carat gold with blue CVD treatment
Arrow-shaped power-reserve hand in 18-carat gold with blue CVD treatment
FUNCTIONS
• Central display of the hours and minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock and power reserve at 2 o’clock
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MOVEMENT
Mechanical hand-wound ...................................................................................................Calibre FB-SPC
Diameter.......................................................................................................................................37.30
mm
Thickness
.......................................................................................................................................6.84
mm
Lignes
....................................................................................................................................................15’’’
Jewels
........................................................................................................................................................
47
Frequency
........................................................................................................................21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power
reserve
................................................................................................................................
72 hours
Number
of components
........................................................................................................................230
Number
of bridges
....................................................................................................................................16
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Slip-spring barrel (automatic uncoupling when maximum power reserve is reached)
• Variable-inertia balance with four fine-adjustment screws and 12 load screws
• Cylindrical balance-spring with hand-crafted Berthoud terminal curves
• Swiss lever escapement
• Crown-activated stop-seconds mechanism
• Mainplate and bridges in sandblasted nickel silver
• Hand-finished to the highest watchmaking standards
Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC
Strap
- Two straps (125 x 70 mm – other sizes available on request)
Dark green alligator leather strap
Chestnut brown aged calfskin leather
- 18 mm pin buckle in sandblasted titanium
🔰Limited Edition to 1 piece
Limitation: Unique piece for Only Watch 2023
🔴Price Lot 22 Estimated at CHF 160,000 - CHF 180,000 💰
www.OnlyWatch.com
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Press Release - 2023
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Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA
Rue des Moulins 20
Case postale 128
2114 Fleurier, Val-de-Travers (NE)
Switzerland
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