Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
CHRONOMÈTRE FB 3SPC.4-1:
SHADES OF BLACK, SHAPED BY PRECISION
To coincide with Geneva Watch Days, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is pleased to present a new addition to the award-winning Chronomètre FB 3SPC collection. Housed in a contemporary black ceramised titanium case, this new model embodies the Manufacture’s respect for artisanal watchmaking traditions.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
When it was released in 2022, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC received widespread critical acclaim, recognised for its seemly blend of innovation, traditional craftsmanship and precision. Over the years, the FB 3 collection has won several awards in recognition of its technical virtuosity, including the ‘Chronometry prize’ at the GPHG 2023.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Most watches are equipped with a flat balance-spring, but the Chronomètre FB 3SPC is fitted with a cylindrical balance-spring; an approach that Ferdinand Berthoud and his nephew, Louis Berthoud, sometimes employed. Following three years of research, the Manufacture created a regulating organ comprising a variable-inertia balance, a specially designed collet and, most pertinently, a cylindrical balance-spring featuring two terminal curves.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Each terminal curve, one positioned at each end of the balance-spring, is shaped by hand and incorporates three bends, each created using only manual tools and a profile projector with 20x magnification. The resultant geometry of the balance-spring ensures it develops concentrically, augmenting isochronism. The Chronomètre FB 3SPC delivers remarkable precision, a fact independently recognised by the COSC, enabling this timekeeper to obtain the “Chronometer” certification.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Since the inaugural model was unveiled, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has released several expressions of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC, executed in different materials and endowed with an array of finishes. However, the Manufacture has consistently adhered to the same no-compromise approach to watchmaking, blending refined mechanisms with traditional hand-decoration techniques.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
The latest FB 3SPC.4-1 juxtaposes modernity and artisanal craftsmanship. Housed in ceramised titanium, a lightweight material with enhanced scratch-resistance, the model is adorned in a sophisticated shade of black, destined never to fade. The case is presented in a muted finish achieved through sandblasting that serves to accentuate the appearance of the dial and movement. Interestingly, this reference features a crown guard, a first for the Chronomètre FB 3SPC, while the introduction of a black fabric strap—also unprecedented within the collection—further accentuates its contemporary spirit.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
The nickel silver movement is enriched with eight forms of decoration, namely bevelling, black polishing, circular finishing, open polishing (for the jewel and screw sinks), sandblasting, satin-finishing, softening and stretching. For several components, decoration begins with the sandblasting of surfaces before additional finishes are applied.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Unlike some contemporary watches, this artisanal approach does not rely on a preliminary angle being applied using a machine. On the contrary, at Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, the hand-bevelling is performed in the traditional way with a 45° angle deftly imparted with a knife. Once the artisan has removed any extraneous material, the bevel is filed, smoothed and polished using a series of abrasive compounds in various grades. Ultimately, gentian wood, taken from pastures near the Manufacture, is used to imbue each bevel with a brilliant sheen. The movement is endowed with 102 exterior angles and 15 inner angles, each the result of patience and craftsmanship.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Contrasting colours and finishes serve to enhance the visual appeal. The six bridges, visible from the dial side of the timepiece, are adorned with a vertical satin-finish. Great care must be taken when using this decoration technique as it is carried out after the bevelling: a careless movement could potentially damage the pristine angles.
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Furthermore, the artisan must ensure that consistent manual pressure is applied to surfaces in order to achieve an even and harmonious result. Lastly, the vertical lines drawn on each of the six bridges positioned to the front must be aligned.
---------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model: Chronomètre FB 3SPC.4-1 Black Ceramised Titanium
Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO 
Reference: FB 3SPC.4-1
MOVEMENT
Mechanical hand-wound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Calibre FB-SPC
Diameter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 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 8 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
CASE• Round case in ceramised titanium 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 and crown guard in ceramised titanium
• Exhibition back in ceramised titanium fitted with a glareproofed sapphire crystal pane
• Domed sapphire crystal glareproofed on both sides
DIAL AND MOVEMENT FINISHING
Peripheral inner bezel ring in smooth black-varnished brass for the hours and minutes, matt
grey-varnished engraved numerals
• Seconds subdial at 6 o’clock in smooth black-varnished brass, matt grey-varnished engraved
numerals
• Satin-finished nickel silver movement with black rhodium treatment, rhodium gear train
HANDS
• Sandblasted, skeletonised and open-tipped hours and minutes hands in 18-carat white gold
• Sandblasted seconds hand with openworked counterweight in 18-carat white gold
• Sandblasted arrow-shaped power-reserve hand in 18-carat white gold
STRAP AND BUCKLE
• Black fabric strap (125 x 70 mm) – Other material and sizes available on request
• 18 mm titanium pin buckle
• 18 mm titanium folding clasp with security fastening and length-adjustable blade – Available
on request
🔰 Non-Limited edition
🔴Price: Upon request 💰
--------------------------------------
Press Release - 2026-------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA
Rue des Moulins 20
Case postale 128
2114 Fleurier, Val-de-Travers (NE)
Switzerland
-------------------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Ferdinand Berthoud
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.FerdinandBerthoud.ch
