Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC

Celebrating its first anniversary, the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC has garnered the prestigious “Chronometry prize” at the GPHG 2023, a testament to its unmatched accuracy and design. This model, notable for its white gold case and black movement, features a unique variable-inertia balance and cylindrical balance spring, certified by COSC.

The FB 3SPC is a marvel of modern watchmaking, embodying the legacy of Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine chronometers. Unlike its predecessors in the FB 1 and FB 2 collections, which focused on constant-force mechanisms, the FB 3 series takes a novel approach to precision with the introduction of a cylindrical balance spring.

This type of hairspring, historically favoured by Berthoud and his nephew Louis for its stability in precision timepieces, now finds new life in the FB 3SPC. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, explains that integrating this balance-spring into a wristwatch while maintaining its original purpose for accuracy was a significant challenge, now brilliantly overcome.

The FB 3SPC is presented in a contemporary design for its anniversary, boasting a 42.3 mm case in 18-carat white gold. The movement, in striking black and anthracite tones, is complemented by gilded hands, enhancing the watch’s sophisticated appearance.

This timepiece is also a symbol of horological mastery and a tribute to the legacy of Ferdinand Berthoud. The Chronomètre FB 3SPC, with its variable-inertia balance and cylindrical balance spring, is the only wristwatch of its kind to receive official chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). It marks a significant milestone in the journey of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, cementing its place in the pantheon of elite watchmakers. Its success among collectors and professionals alike speaks volumes about its exceptional craftsmanship and the timeless appeal of precision in watchmaking.