FERDINAND BERTHOUD – Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 Tourbillon Steel 44mm Limited Edition 2019
A regulator to stand the test of time
With its original regulator-type display and its ultra-resistant carburised stainless steel case, the Chronomètre FB-1R.6-1 enriches the Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud collection. This new presentation radically transforms an exceptional timepiece whose complications, together with the quality of its construction and production, remain true to their underlying philosophy. Its FB-T.FC.R tourbillon calibre with fusee-and-chain transmission can be admired through a sapphire crystal case-back and two lateral portholes, offering a unique view inside this outstanding chronometer.
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Like the previous editions of the
Chronomètre FB 1, its movement is equipped with horological complications inspired by the scientific instruments represented by
Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine chronometers. The appearance of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.7-1 takes its cues from the
Marine Chronometer No. 7. The philosophy upheld by
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud involves transposing into contemporary language the pursuit of excellence undertaken by the master horologist appointed Clockmaker to the
French King and Navy. A rare and unusual-looking timepiece, the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 is a comprehensive horological work, issued in a
20-piece
limited edition intended for discerning and passionate collectors.
A philosophical approach
The different versions of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 stem from an innovative horological approach. The design, movement, finishing and everything composing this chronometer with tourbillon and constant force are highly specific and reflect an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is driven by the vision of its president,
Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. The latter has patiently built up an important collection of objects relating to time measurement within the
L.U.CEUM museum in Fleurier, including a number of works by
Ferdinand Berthoud.
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In paying worthy tribute to this native of the
Val-de-Travers,
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has a dedicated team, a specific development process and authentic expertise in a wide range of skills. In the case of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1, the inspiration stems directly from
Ferdinand Berthoud’s research on his
Marine Chronometer no. 7. The latter housed a number of solutions that improved the operating principles of its longitude watches. Among them was its display that differed from the usual rules governing regulators – which assign a different place on the dial to the hours, minutes and seconds displays – by the use of a large central seconds hand.
An evolving case
The
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 adds some unusual details and a unique presentation to the aesthetic and technical characteristics of the previous versions. It is still a
44 mm-diameter watch, featuring a less than 14 mm-thick case that sits naturally and comfortably on the wrist. It is composed of a steel cylinder housing the movement. The molecular structure of this steel has been reinforced by a thermo-chemical process involving the diffusion of vapourphase carbon, thereby guaranteeing an exceptional surface hardness of 1200 Vickers and making it extremely robust. It is also exceptionally corrosion-resistant and biocompatible.
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The case features two octagonal-shaped stainless steel side pieces, giving it a characteristic shape including two lateral portholes at 2 and 11 o’clock - providing a chance to admire the chain-and-fusee mechanism in action. These two openings are complemented by a screw-down stainless steel case-back fitted with glare-proofed sapphire crystal enabling observers to appreciate the high-quality finishing lavished on the
FB-T.FC-R movement.
The knurled 9mm-diameter stainless steel crown bearing a black ceramic medallion ensures smooth winding of the movement endowed with a 53-hour power reserve.
An exceptional regulator
The novel construction of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud IR.6-1 sets it apart from all existing regulator-type displays. Instead of featuring a high-up opening providing a view of the tourbillon and the fourth wheel (driving the seconds) as on previous versions, the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 has a mostly solid dial. The latter is in fact the rear side of the complication plate that provides the regulator-type display.
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It is made of nickel silver, vertically satin-brushed by hand and black rhodium-plated. Of the three small apertures, the first serves to show the hours, offset at 2 o’clock and appearing on a glare-proofed sapphire crystal disc bearing transferred Arabic numerals striking a pleasing contrast with a white background. The second opening features an original power-reserve display mechanism, distinguished by a large dial cut-out revealing part of the finely sandblasted and black rhodium-plated mainplate. Located in the centre of the finely chamfered, bead-blasted and black rhodium-plated minutes counter, the third aperture displays a hand-engraved “pyramid” motif inspired by an openworked
Ferdinand Berthoud astronomical clock belonging to the
L.U.CEUM collection.
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Meanwhile, the seconds appear around the rim of the dial on a flat inner bezel ring made of black rhodium-plated, bead-blasted and chamfered nickel silver.
Finally, the nature and provenance of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 can be read off on this large dial, engraved with the inscription “Chronomètre Val-de-Travers Suisse”. More than merely representing a signature or an appellation of origin, it proudly proclaims the model’s identity.
Suspended mobile cone power-reserve display and spiral-spring
A patent has been filed for the extremely sophisticated power-reserve indication mechanism. Visible through a cut-out in the half-bridge on the case-back side, a truncated cone moves up and down along an arbor connected to the barrel. This suspended cone is topped by a feeler spindle in the form of a mobile arm tipped with a watch jewel. The latter’s position on the cone reflects the barrel’s state of wind.
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The feeler spindle in turn transmits the quantity of energy accumulated by the mainspring to a set of finely chamfered and rhodium-plated flat levers visible through a cut-out in the regulator plate. Its role is to amplify the displacement of the power-reserve hand. A spiral spring placed at the far end of its travel exercises a force on the base of the power-reserve hand. This spring serves to compensate for the play between the various components of this mechanism and to display the power reserve with peerless precision.
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A number of complex mathematical calculations and various tests served to fine-tune the geometry of this spring, made from a nickel-phosphorous alloy in order to guarantee the concentric deployment of the coils in all states of winding and unwinding, and thereby to avoid any unattractive distortion that might also be detrimental to the smooth running of the mechanism. This ingenious device is imbued with the experimental spirit of
Ferdinand Berthoud himself, who revelled in exploring solutions resolutely off the beaten track.
A slender, finely structured movement
The
FB-T.FC.R calibre is built according to a unique architectural concept. This hand-wound movement features 18 nickel silver bridges framed by polished titanium pillars surrounding the mechanical organs. This construction is typical of
18th century marine chronometers. The architectural approach is picked up in the design of all the components, and especially in the symmetrical equilibrium of the movement.
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The distinctive nature of the
FB-T.FC.R calibre lies in its inverted upside-down barrel and fusee, and particularly in the fact that both elements are suspended, meaning held on only one side. A patent has been filed for this construction which saves precious millimetres. At
9.89 mm thick, the movement of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 thus remains extremely thin for its category despite the regulator-type display and the new power-reserve indication.
Keeping things moving
When the mainspring is combined with a fusee, the barrel drum turns in one direction when the spring is unwinding and in the other when it is winding, hence serving to coil the chain. The movement generally stops while this type of mechanism is being wound. To prevent this, the
FB-T.FC.R calibre is equipped with a differential gear based on an original concept and for which patent has also been filed. It enables the balance wheel to continue oscillating during winding and thereby maintain the movement’s precision timekeeping properties.
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The winding mechanism is fitted with a pinion featuring cone-shaped toothing. Coupled with a large-diameter knurled crown, it enables smooth movement winding. This gentle motion, which is essential in the case of manual winding, enhances the quality of the day-to-day rapport between the watch and its owner.
Force and safety features
As typically found on chain and fusee mechanisms, the barrel of Calibre
FB-T.FC.R is equipped with a “Maltese Cross” stopwork device. The latter serves to limit the winding turns of the mainspring to around six, so as to use only the most stable portion of this spring. This device also acts as a buffer when the barrel is fully wound. At that point, the mainspring torque exerts a
3 kg force, which is considerable for the chain components measuring just a few millimetres.
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To perfect the security of the movement, the engineers at
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud have equipped the crown with a dynamometric function serving to avoid any damage to the movement that might be caused by excessive winding.
Tourbillon with central seconds
Teamed with the fourth (seconds) wheel and pinion, the tourbillon of Calibre
FB-T.FC-R comprises
67 components assembled within a titanium carriage measuring
16.55 mm in diameter, and fixed to a perfectly hand-polished and chamfered arrow-shaped steel arch whose tip points towards the space between the barrel and the fusee. To poise the escapement’s unbalance, two 18-carat gold inertia-blocks ensure the uniform spread of the weights of this large-size tourbillon.
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This tourbillon contributes to earning Calibre
FB-T.FC.R its chronometer title awarded by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (
COSC). One particular characteristic makes the tourbillon extremely distinctive: although it performs one rotation per minute, it does not indicate the seconds, since the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 is one of the rare tourbillons to have a central sweep-seconds hand. Extremely long, slim and made of gilded bronze, the latter moves with remarkable accuracy and in a remarkable stable manner.
Noble materials
Within the traditional approach to watchmaking, construction and mechanical structure are inseparable from the choice of materials and the quality of the finishing. In this respect, the movement of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 is in a league of its own. The bridges of Calibre
FB-T.FC.R are made of untreated nickel silver: a copper, zinc and nickel alloy that is particularly shiny when polished, yet also extremely fragile. Any imperfection is irreparable. Nickel silver is also distinguished by its warm grey colour easily recognised by connoisseurs.
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It coexists here with steel, a new material in the array of metals used by
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. This is an ultra-resistant carburised steel, based on a high-tech thermos-chemical surface treatment. It consists of diffusing carbon into a steel substrate, thereby increasing the hardness of the alloy without destroying its initial properties. In this instance, it reaches the record figure of 1200 Vickers, making the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 exceptionally scratch-resistant. The choice of this type of steel, currently used in the aerospace industry, is a nod to the maritime expeditions achieved using the Marine Chronometers produced by
Ferdinand Berthoud in the
18th century and which required the use of extremely sturdy materials.
Meticulous finishing
The stainless steel arrow-shaped tourbillon bridge is decorated with the utmost care. The upper side is specular-polished, the flanks are straight-grained, the angels are polished and the underside is circular-grained and smooth-polished. All levels of the titanium tourbillon bridge are entirely chamfered. Some surfaces are polished, others circular satin-brushed, sandblasted or smooth-polished. The lever bridge is completely chamfered and its visible side features a specular-polished finish while its hidden side is straight-grained. The power-reserve cone is mirror-polished.
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The two bridges framing the tourbillon of the
Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 feature cut-outs. Through one of these apertures, the baseplate has been engraved with the same pyramid pattern as the hours dial, while the other reveals the power-reserve cone in all its splendour.
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Technical Specifications
Model: CHRONOMÈTRE FB 1L -
REF.
FB 1R.6-1
20-piece stainless steel
limited numbered
edition
MOVEMENT
Mechanical hand-wound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calibre FB-T.FC.R
Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.50 mm
Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-89 mm
Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ¾
Jewels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . approx. 53 hours env.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
• Chain-and-fusee tourbillon (constant force)
Suspended fusee – winding differential system (PATENT)
Suspended barrel – Maltese Cross stopwork system (PATENT)
Suspended power-reserve – mobile cone system (PATENT)
Tourbillon with direct-drive seconds hand (PATENT)
• Regulator-type display
• Power-reserve indicator with levers and spiral spring
• Variable-inertia balance comprising four rhodium-plated nickel silver inertia weights
• Balance spring with hand-crafted Phillips terminal curve (stainless steel)
• Swiss lever escapement
• Cut-out and engraved nickel silver half-bridges, secured to polished stylised titanium bridges
• Hand finishing meeting the highest watchmaking standards
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,158 (including the chain)
Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
790 components
Chain length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285 mm
Half-bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Pillars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Tourbillon
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 /minute
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
Tourbillon carriage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ø 16.55 mm (titanium)
Tourbillon carriage affixed to . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .3 polished titanium pillars
Tourbillon carriage poised by . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 inertia-blocks in 18-carat gold
Balance wheel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ø 12 mm (copper-beryllium)
Officially chronometer-certified by the COSC
INDICATIONS
• Hours on a disc at 2 o’clock, pointer-type minute display at 12 o’clock, central sweep-seconds hand and power-reserve indicator at 10 o’clock
CASE
• Case in ultra-resistant carburised stainless steel, fitted with two transparent sapphire crystal portholes
Total diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
44 mm
Thickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.95 mm
Water resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 metres
Crown diameter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 mm
Numbered edition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
01/20 to
20/20
• Dynamometric crown (uncoupling system) in stainless steel, with black ceramic medallion
• Screw-down stainless steel case-back fitted with a glare-proofed sapphire crystal
• Domed and arched sapphire crystal, with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
DIAL
• Regulator plate (dial) in black rhodium-plated nickel silver, satin-brushed by hand
• Hours indication on a sapphire disc at 2 o’clock
• Minutes subdial at 12 o’clock, cut-out, bead-blasted, rhodium-plated and bearing black Arabic numerals
• Flat seconds inner bezel ring, in bead-blasted black rhodium-plated nickel silver
• Power-reserve indication at 10 o’clock engraved on the regulator plate “
0-1” and coloured in grey
• Inscription: “CHRONOMÈTRE VAL-DE-TRAVERS SUISSE”
HANDS
• Dagger-shaped facetted and openworked minutes hand in 18-carat white gold with blue CVD coating
• Steel fixed hour-marker with blue CVD coating
• Gilded steel arrow-shaped power-reserve hand
• Gilded bronze central sweep-seconds hand
STRAP AND BUCKLE
• Rolled-edge hand-sewn alligator leather strap made from a single piece of leather (115 x 75 mm with a 20 mm buckle) – Various sizes available on request
• Length-adjustable double-blade titanium folding clasp – Pin buckle available on request
Limitation 20 watches
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Press Release - 2019
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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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