Founded in 1950 in Dubai, Ahmed Seddiqi is one of the most important and prestigious retailers in the Middle East, as well as one of the earliest partners of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. Both houses share a rich heritage and a common commitment to innovation and excellence.

To mark Dubai Watch Week (November 19–23, 2025) and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ahmed Seddiqi, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud introduces a limited edition of only three pieces  from its iconic FB 3SPC collection featuring a cylindrical hairspring.

The Chronomètre FB 3SPC.3-4 offers exclusive finishings of both the movement and the dial. It combines a 42 mm platinum case with a peripheral inner-bezel ring in velvet-finished black  lacquered brass, whose engraved minute track and Arabic numerals are highlighted in gold. The bridges and mainplate are sandblasted with an unprecedented champagne color. This subtle  contrast ensures perfect legibility thanks to the 18-carat yellow gold hands.

The caseback features an exclusive sandblasted decoration: the “75” logo designed by Ahmed Seddiqi to celebrate their anniversary, engraved on the sapphire crystal.
By a fortunate coincidence, this limited edition is unveiled in 2025, the same year Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud celebrates its own 10th anniversary. This double milestone highlights the  strong bond between the two houses, as Ahmed Seddiqi was among the first partners to support the creation of the Fleurier workshop in 2015.

A High-Precision Chronometer
Inspired by the decimal watch No. 26, crafted in 1793 by Louis Berthoud, nephew and successor of Ferdinand Berthoud, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC carries forward this distinguished lineage of  master chronometer-makers. The first and only wristwatch with a variable-inertia balance and a cylindrical balance-spring to be officially chronometercertified by the Official Swiss  hronometer  Testing Institute (COSC), the Chronomètre FB 3SPC has been a hit with collectors and watchmaking professionals since its launch in October 2022.

Its mechanical movement is based on a cylindrical balance-spring, an extremely rare horological speciality on which Ferdinand Berthoud himself had worked. It is the result of more than three  years of research and development. Positioned at 9 o’clock, the three main escapement components – namely the balance, pallet-lever and escape-wheel – are individualised, distinct and  proeminent. This space dedicated to the regulating organ enables one to appreciate how it functions and to see the cylindrical balance-spring beating throughout the three days of the power  reserve, including through a large water resistant porthole in the case middle at 9 o’clock.

Launched in 2022, the FB 3SPC chronometer won the Chronometry Prize at the 2023 GPHG

The post CHRONOMETRE FB 3SPC: AN EXCLUSIVE SERIES FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF AHMED SEDDIQI appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

The philosophy driving Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud since the launch of its f i rst collection in 2015 is far more than merely a t r ibute to the work of the eponymous master-watchmaker. I t t ransposes into contemporar y watchmaking language the quest for excellence and precision of the man who was appointed Master Clockmaker- Mechanic by appointment to the ( French) King and Navy. No fewer than nine exclusive calibres and three collections have been presented s ince 2015 : Chronomètre FB 1 with i ts now iconic octagonal case; the FB 2 collection whose case design reinterprets the shape of marine clocks; as well as the FB 3 , which is inspired by the longitude watches designed by Ferdinand Ber thoud. To mark the tenth anniversar y of Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud, the iconic FB 3 SPC collection with a cylindrical balance- spring has been enriched with a ver y limited edition of platinum t imepieces that can also be set with precious stones.

The nobility of platinum

Making a platinum case as complex as that of the FB 3 collection demonstrates the Maison’ s exceptional expertise. More than 30 hours of work are required to machine and finish this 57 – par t case. Polishing platinum is a particularly delicate operation, requiring more effort and patience than for other precious metals. Platinum i s a very dense yet extremely malleable metal. Only the most experienced polishers are able to achieve the desired brilliance meeting the Ferdinand Berthoud quality criteria. Unlike gold, platinum cannot be polished by pressing very hard on the metal with a polishing brush. Doing so creates waves or a dull haze on the sur face, due to the molecular structure of this noble material whose inalterable nature makes i t much sought after by discerning collectors.

A certified award- winning movement

The FB 3 SPC collection is the only wristwatch with a variable- inertia balance and a cylindrical balance spring, chronometer- certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute ( COSC) and awarded the Chronometry prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève ( GPHG) in 2023 .

Its mechanical movement is based on a cylindrical balance- spring, an extremely rare horological specialty on which Ferdinand Berthoud himself had worked. I t is the result of more than three years of research and development. Positioned at 9 o’ clock, the three main escapement components – namely the balance, pallet- lever and escape- wheel – are individualized, distinct and preeminent. This space dedicated to the regulating organ enables one to appreciate how i t functions and to see the cylindrical balance- spring beating throughout the three days of the power reserve, including through a large water-resistant porthole in the case middle at 9 o’ clock.

Two new movement colors

Thanks to its unique three- dimensional architecture with the mainplane positioned at the hear t of the movement and the bridges framing it , Caliber FB- SPC is fully visible through the case- back as well as on the dial s ide. The way i t is decorated thus determines the character of the timepiece, as do the two new pink and black PVD- treated versions – produced in 20 – piece limited series – that are joining the FB 3 collection.

The FB 3 SPC. 3 model features a finely sandblasted salmon pink movement, a velvet-finished silver- toned brass inner bezel ring and dial, along with facetted and diamond-polished blue CVD- treated 18 – carat gold hands. The regulating organ bridges visible at 9 o’ clock are made of straight- grained natural nickel silver.

Meanwhile, Reference FB 3 SPC. 3 – 1 is equipped with a black PVD- treated sandblasted movement, a black- varnished inner bezel and dial, along with 18 – carat white gold hands. To accentuate the intensity of the movement’ s black hues, the regulating organ bridges and the barrel drum are treated with black rhodium, while the gear t rains are white rhodium- treated.

Carefully chosen diamonds

Each of these two references will also be available in a diamond- set version, produced in a five- piece limited edition. Benefiting from Chopard’ s expertise, the case, crown and buckle have been subtly reworked to accommodate diamonds of exceptional quality and cut. Each stone is then set with the utmost care to obtain a particularly elegant setting of 77 diamonds totaling 4 . 02 carats: 48 baguette- cut diamonds on the bezel, 10 on the pin buckle and 18 on the crown. The latter is also enhanced with a briolette- cut diamond.

A new folding clasp

Traditionally accompanied by a hand- sewn natural alligator leather strap and an 18 mm pin buckle, the FB 3 SPC collection can now on request be equipped with a new 18 mm folding clasp. The latter features two blades, with a safety catch on the cap and a fine-adjustment mechanism enabling +/- 3 mm length modifications to f i t the exact wrist size.

Already present on the folding clasps of the FB 1 and FB 2 collections, this mechanism equips the new version appearing with the Chronomètre FB 3 SPC, whose design has been subtly reworked to adapt perfectly to the curve of the FB 3 case. This new clasp is available on request in 5 N 18 – carat rose gold or in 18 – carat non- rhodium- treated white gold.

Through these new variations, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud reaffirms its desire to perpetuate the FB 3 collection, which requires the greatest watchmaking expertise, in order to produce and adjust around 30 chronometer- certified movements of this type each year. This launch also marks the star t of celebrations for Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025 .

The post TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRONOMÉTRIE FERDINAND BERTHOUD: A NEW PLATINUM MODEL JOINS THE EMBLEMATIC FB 3 COLLECTION appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

The philosophy driving Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud since the launch of its f i rst collection in 2015 is far more than merely a t r ibute to the work of the eponymous master- watchmaker. I t t ransposes into contemporar y watchmaking language the quest for excellence and precision of the man who was appointed Master Clockmaker- Mechanic by appointment to the ( French) King and Navy. No fewer than nine exclusive calibres and three collections have been presented s ince 2015 : Chronomètre FB 1 with i ts now iconic octagonal case; the FB 2 collection whose case design reinterprets the shape of marine clocks; as well as the FB 3 , which is inspired by the longitude watches designed by Ferdinand Ber thoud. To mark the tenth anniversar y of Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud, the iconic FB 3 SPC collection with a cylindrical balance- spring has been enriched with a ver y limited edition of platinum t imepieces that can also be set with precious stones.

The nobility of platinum

Making a platinum case as complex as that of the FB 3 collection demonstrates the Maison’ s exceptional exper t ise. More than 30 hours of work are required to machine and f inish this 57 – par t case. Polishing platinum is a par t icularly delicate operation, requiring more ef for t and patience than for other precious metals. Platinum i s a ver y dense yet extremely malleable metal. Only the most experienced polishers are able to achieve the desired brilliance meeting the Ferdinand Ber thoud quality criteria. Unlike gold, platinum cannot be polished by pressing ver y hard on the metal with a polishing brush. Doing so creates waves or a dull haze on the sur face, due to the molecular structure of this noble material whose inalterable nature makes i t much sought after by discerning collectors.

A cer t i f ied award- winning movement

The FB 3 SPC collection is the only wristwatch with a variable- iner t ia balance and a cylindrical balance spring, chronometer- cer t i f ied by the Of f ic ial Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute ( COSC) and awarded the Chronometr y prize at the Grand Prix d’ Horlogerie de Genève ( GPHG) in 2023 .

Its mechanical movement is based on a cylindrical balance- spring, an extremely rare horological speciality on which Ferdinand Ber thoud himself had worked. I t is the result of more than three years of research and development. Positioned at 9 o’ clock, the three main escapement components – namely the balance, pallet- lever and escape- wheel – are individualised, distinct and proeminent. This space dedicated to the regulating organ enables one to appreciate how i t functions and to see the cylindrical balance- spring beating throughout the three days of the power reser ve, including through a large water- resistant por thole in the case middle at 9 o’ clock.

Two new movement colours

Thanks to i ts unique three- dimensional architecture with the mainplate positioned at the hear t of the movement and the bridges f raming it , Calibre FB- SPC is fully visible through the case- back as well as on the dial s ide. The way i t is decorated thus determines the character of the t imepiece, as do the two new pink and black PVD- t reated versions – produced in 20 – piece l imited series – that are joining the FB 3 collection.

The FB 3 SPC. 3 model features a f inely sandblasted salmon pink movement, a velvet- f inished s i lver- toned brass inner bezel r ing and dial, along with facetted and diamond- polished blue CVD- t reated 18 – carat gold hands. The regulating organ bridges visible at 9 o’ clock are made of straight- grained natural nickel silver.

Meanwhile, Reference FB 3 SPC. 3 – 1 is equipped with a black PVD- t reated sandblasted movement, a black- varnished inner bezel and dial, along with 18 – carat white gold hands. To accentuate the intensity of the movement’ s black hues, the regulating organ bridges and the barrel drum are t reated with black rhodium, while the gear t rains are white rhodium- t reated.

Carefully chosen diamonds

Each of these two references will also be available in a diamond- set version, produced in a f ive- piece limited edition. Benefiting f rom Chopard’ s exper tise, the case, crown and buckle have been subtly reworked to accommodate diamonds of exceptional quality and cut. Each stone is then set with the utmost care to obtain a par ticularly elegant setting of 77 diamonds totalling 4 . 02 carats: 48 baguette- cut diamonds on the bezel, 10 on the pin buckle and 18 on the crown. The latter is also enhanced with a briolette- cut diamond.

A new folding clasp

Traditionally accompanied by a hand- sewn natural alligator leather strap and an 18 mm pin buckle, the FB 3 SPC collection can now on request be equipped with a new 18 mm folding clasp. The latter features two blades, with a safety catch on the cap and a f ine- adjustment mechanism enabling +/- 3 mm length modifications to f i t the exact wrist size.

Already present on the folding c lasps of the FB 1 and FB 2 collections, this mechanism equips the new version appearing with the Chronomètre FB 3 SPC, whose design has been subtly reworked to adapt per fectly to the cur ve of the FB 3 case. This new c lasp is available on request in 5 N 18 – carat rose gold or in 18 – carat non- rhodium- t reated white gold.

Through these new variations, Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud reaf f irms its desire to perpetuate the FB 3 collection, which requires the greatest watchmaking exper t ise, in order to produce and adjust around 30 chronometer- cer t i f ied movements of this type each year. This launch also marks the star t of celebrations for Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud, which is celebrating its tenth anniversar y in 2025 .

The post TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF CHRONOMÉTRIE FERDINAND BERTHOUD: A NEW PLATINUM MODEL JOINS THE EMBLEMATIC FB 3 COLLECTION appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

When Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – Co- President of Chopard and President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud – inaugurated ART IN TIME in Monaco in 2019, he created an unusual concept: a unique space uniting watchmaking houses around the shared values of craftsmanship, independence and originality.

This pioneering space meets a growing need: to offer collectors the chance to discover the rarest and most original creations from independent watchmaking houses. Eight of the latter joined the initiative when this exclusive space opened on the Riviera and the success of ART IN TIME is demonstrated by the fact that it now represents 24 Maisons offering highly sought- after timepieces from a number of independent master watchmakers, as well as innovative mechanical creations from well-known houses. “We are delighted with the results of our first five years in Monaco”, explains Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. “They exceed our expectations and reinforce the idea that such a place must exist in order to represent independent watchmakers with due dignity.”

To celebrate this achievement and the gallery’s fifth anniversary, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud and ART IN TIME are presenting an exclusive series of five Chronomètre FB 3SPC timepieces in sandblasted titanium. Winner of the Chronometry Prize at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, the FB 3 collection remains the only one to date powered by a mechanical movement with a cylindrical balance-spring chronometer- certified by the COSC.

In addition to its original sandblasted titanium case, this anniversary series is also distinguished by its colour combination: its finely sandblasted, white rhodium-plated movement matches the white dial and inner bezel ring, complete with blue numerals and minutes track. The only things that stand out from this composition are the gear train and the escapement with its cylindrical balance-spring at 9 o’clock. Representing a horological challenge in terms of both design and precision timing, this escapement has an average rate variation of between – 1 and +3 seconds per day. This is 2.5 times more accurate than the variation accepted by the COSC, the highly selective test to which these movements are subjected.

These five examples of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC.4 are adorned with three interchangeable straps – in blue rubber, blue alligator leather and grey alligator leather – secured by pin buckles also made of sandblasted titanium. The back of each case bears three engravings: ‘Art in Time’, ‘5th Anniversary’ and ‘One of Five’. “We are delighted to be able to offer this special edition of the FB 3SPC Chronometer at ART IN TIME”, adds watch gallery director Yohann Martinez. “Its very light case, rubber strap and exclusive colours bring a modern touch to this collection, renowned for its traditional approach to chronometry. ”

The post CHRONOMÈTRE FB 3SPC.4: A LIMITED EDITION FOR ART IN TIME ANNIVERSARY appeared first on Arab Watch Guide.

This new timepiece reinterprets the architecture and design of this Marine Clock. Fitted along its middle with a large panoramic window, the round 18-carat gold case frames a grand feu enamel dial with a complex two-tiered construction.

Beneath this traditional, uncluttered display lies an exceptional mechanism: the new Chronomètre FB 2RE combines the emblematic fusee-and-chain transmission with a one-second remontoir d’égalité mechanism. A model charting a course towards a new world of mechanical precision entirely in keeping with the lifework of Ferdinand Berthoud.

The early 18^th century was marked by the conquest of the oceans. England and France were engaged in an all-out battle to develop a means of calculating longitude during sea voyages: literally a garde-temps or timekeeper. Many renowned watchmakers experimented with new techniques in order to develop a reliable and accurate measuring instrument, whose operation had to withstand the pitching and rolling of ships as well as changes in temperature.

In 1770, following the success of the sea trials in 1768-1769 of Marine Clocks No. 6 and No. 8, Ferdinand Berthoud was awarded the envied title of “Clockmaker and Mechanic by appointment to the French King and Navy” under Louis XV and received a royal commission for 20 Marine Clocks which were to be used during the numerous cartographic and hydrographic surveys that were undertaken in the late 18^th century.

To celebrate the 250^th anniversary of this major scientific breakthrough that has left an indelible imprint on history, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud presents a new emblematic collection: the Chronomètre FB 2RE. This model pays tribute to the genius of Ferdinand Berthoud, as revealed in the extraordinary Marine Clock No. 6. Inspired by its architecture and design, it introduces a new movement, a symbol of excellence and chronometric precision: Calibre FB-RE.FC with remontoir d’égalité, often referred to in English watchmaking parlance as a remontoire.

Once again, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is creating an exceptional contemporary timepiece deeply rooted in Ferdinand Berthoud’s legacy.  This new top-of-the-range wrist chronometer benefits from the latest technological advances, while paying tribute to the master watchmaker, a trailblazer in his own era.

FROM THE MARINE CLOCK No. 6 TO THE CHRONOMÈTRE FB 2RE

A new modular case

As described by Ferdinand Berthoud in his Traité des horloges marines (Treatise on Marine Clocks) published in Paris in 1773, the mechanisms of Marine Clocks are protected by a cylindrical copper drum, itself held in a horizontal position by a gimbal suspension system that he invented.

The case of the Chronomètre FB 2RE picks up the shape of these Marine Clocks and this modular construction. The movement is installed in a cylindrical container made of 18-carat gold and water-resistant to 30 metres. Short, tapering all-of-piece lugs are solidly secured to the case by stylised bolts and ensure the Chronomètre FB 2RE smoothly moulds the contours of the wrist.

A large panoramic window appears at 10 o’clock along the case middle in a screw-down frame and reveals the movement’s pillar-type architecture, as well as the barrel and its chain.

The round case, 44 mm in diameter and 14 mm thick, is enhanced by a curved bezel fitted with a strongly domed “chevée” glareproofed sapphire crystal. The caseback is also fitted with a sapphire crystal enabling one to admire the incomparable beauty of the movement.

The large diameter of the knurled crown makes it easy to grip, thus facilitating movement winding. Integrated into the case middle by an applied screw-in crown guard, it features a dynamometric system that disengages as soon as the barrel is fully armed.

The gold used in the manufacture of FB 2RE chronometers comes from the ethical sourcing system set up by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele – President and founder of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud – at Chopard, of which he is also Co-President.

The Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2RE with remontoir d’égalité is available in two 10-piece limited and numbered editions: one in 18-carat rose gold with a black enamel dial and the other in 18-carat white gold with a white enamel dial.

A traditional enamel dial

In order to facilitate reading off the hours and minutes during sea voyages, Ferdinand Berthoud had designed a two-tiered dial with two types of graduations for his Marine Clock No. 6: in the centre, the hours indications in Roman numerals stand out from the minutes circle in Arabic numerals appearing on the circumference.

The dial construction of the Chronomètre FB 2RE follows this same principle, while adding an additional degree of complexity by opting to craft it in grand feu enamel. This dial is thus composed of two elements: one is domed, located on the periphery and designed to bear the graduated scale; while the second, positioned centrally and slightly lower, is a flat medallion. Both are made of grand feu enamel, which requires numerous firings in a special kiln at a temperature of 800°C. Their base is made of non-magnetic steel, a choice that requires perfect compliance with the required temperatures and extremely precise firing times in order to avoid any distortion, while also preventing the excess thickness resulting from the traditional counter-enamel.

The inscriptions on the dial are also crafted in painted enamel, which requires an additional firing in the kiln. Roman numerals for the hours, Arabic numerals for the minutes and a rail-track minute circle appear alongside the markings and the original inscription “Chronomètre Val-de-Travers Suisse”. The dial of reference FB 2RE.1 is crafted in white enamel with black inscriptions, while the dial of reference FB 2RE.2 features deep black enamel punctuated by white markings.

Signature hands

For the hours and minutes, the Chronomètre FB 2RE is equipped with dagger-type hands in 18-carat gold featuring a hollowed-out design reminiscent of the hands of the Chronomètre FB 1, while the shorter hours hand remains flush with the central dial medallion. The minutes hand is highlighted by a bulge half-way along and extends to the base of the minute circle. The extremely thin titanium seconds hand weighs just 0.01 grams. This lightness helps to lighten the burden on the remontoire.

Finally, the arrow-shaped CVD-blued 18-carat power-reserve hand on the back of the movement is visible through the wide sapphire crystal case-back.

Bridges and pillars

The FB-RE.FC calibre is built according to an architecture unique in contemporary watchmaking and specific to Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. Its organs are symmetrically positioned, legible and clear, as if the order reigning in its operation were expressed through the elegance of its visual balance. This mechanical movement with manual winding comprises 26 bridges held by 10 steel pillars, surrounding the mechanical parts. This construction is characteristic of 18^th century Ferdinand Berthoud marine chronometers.

This century that proved so important for innovation notably inspired Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud to adopt the extremely distinctive design of its bridges. They are composed of a flat, screw-in section extended into a raised, cantilevered neck, giving them a staircase shape typical of the horological constructions of that era.

A NEW APPROACH TO PRECISION TIMEKEEPING

Fusee-and-chain transmission

The FB-RE.FC calibre is one of the rare examples to feature fusee-and-chain transmission, serving to ensure constant force for the escapement. It acts like an infinitely variable automatic reduction gearbox.

The torque delivered by the barrel of a watch movement naturally varies according to the degree of winding. In this type of transmission, when the movement is fully wound, the chain is completely wrapped around the small end of the spindle-shaped fusee and the mainspring is at maximum power. This force dwindles in the course of time, as the chain coils around the drum, moving from the small to the large end of the fusee.

The variation in the diameter of the fusee compensates for the reduction of the mainspring torque. The gear train thus receives a constant supply of energy, a pre-filtering of the energy arriving at the remontoire. The distinctive nature of the FB-RE.FC calibre lies in the fact that its fusee is reversed, and especially that its barrel and fusee are both suspended – meaning they are held on one side only, to the mainplate. This spectacular construction is patented and serves to save a few precious millimetres.

Remontoir d’égalité

Exceptionally, the FB-RE.FC calibre, in addition to the constant-force mechanism, is equipped with a one-second remontoire visible on the back of the movement. It is one of the most complex torque regulation systems in the history of time measurement.

Far from duplicating the role of the fusee, this device complements its action by acting on another point. The fusee equalises the torque reaching the gear train, yet irregularities are created when the teeth mesh. These torque variations, of a much smaller magnitude than those generated by the uncoiling of the mainspring, are nevertheless important in light of the precision demanded by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud.

Deadbeat seconds

The Chronomètre FB 2RE remontoire is of a distinctive type in that it is fitted concentrically with the escape-wheel and thus directly connected to the escapement. This device is designed to store a small amount of energy in a secondary hairspring, playing a driving rather than a regulating role. It delivers its force to the balance via the escapement at such short intervals that the variation of the force in the hairspring is not taken into account. In this case, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has opted for a one-second release.

The force from the barrel is transmitted to the remontoire spring by means of a triangular ruby cam. When the escape-wheel has moved 2.5 teeth forward, the ruby cam releases the stop lever, that of the remontoire, and allows the driving force to enter the remontoire system. It is then charged for the next second.

The escape-wheel pinion is connected to the stop wheel and marks off the seconds. The entire assembly is connected to the central seconds hand and enables the Chronomètre FB 2RE to display true seconds, or deadbeat seconds, like marine chronometers or regulator-type longcase clocks. To enhance the accuracy of the display, the connection between the escapement pinion and the deadbeat seconds hand is achieved by means of a special deadbeat seconds mechanism.

Lighter system

The remontoire is traditionally very energy-intensive, particularly because of the friction it generates. Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has reduced this friction by installing the remontoire where the torque is lowest. The escape wheel is the one that receives the least force from the entire gearing and is therefore the best candidate for the position. In addition, the use of the ruby cam and an extremely light seconds hand (0.01 grams), thanks to the use of titanium and an extremely tapered shape, reduces the weight driven by the remontoire.

All these decisions together enable the FB-RE.FC calibre to offer a power reserve of 50 hours. This is indicated on the back of the movement by means of a blued arrow-shaped hand placed on a sector engraved on the mainplate. The barrel stores energy for several more hours, but the stopwork system blocks it outside the guaranteed precision timekeeping (chronometry) range.

THE QUINTESSENCE OF HOROLOGY

Optimising precision

Historically, high-precision timepieces have been based on work to optimise the regulating organ, and Ferdinand Berthoud also made interesting modifications to his chronometers throughout his career. Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has followed in his footsteps by inventing a new two-spoke variable-inertia balance with an aerodynamic shape and four inertia blocks. Its large diameter guarantees its inertia and stability, with a low frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, thereby safeguarding the power reserve. It also enables slow oscillation, pleasing to the eye and similar to that of historical timepieces.

The remontoire is a delicate system, which increases the difficulty of adjustment. That of the Chronomètre FB 2RE thus requires much greater care and time than any other model. It is by returning to the roots of pure chronometry that the Maison has devised an exceptional chronometer, the execution of which is as delicate as its design. In order to guarantee optimal precision, the Chronomètre FB 2RE is equipped with a stop-seconds device, which brings the balance to a halt when the crown is pulled out. The wearer can then synchronise the watch to the nearest second with the time displayed by a reference timepiece, in the same way that observation watches were synchronised with marine chronometers on an exploration vessel.

Excellent finishing

Because the excellence of the movement equals the sum of the care devoted to its beauty, the finishing of the FB-RE.FC calibre is exceptional. The nickel silver bridges reveal a frosting type finish, involving extremely fine manual graining using a brush, performed before the final drilling and milling stages. This ancient technique endows the components with peerless brilliance. However, since nickel silver is an extremely fragile alloy, any error or scratch during the frosting process is irretrievable and implies discarding the part in question.

The arrow-shaped steel balance bridge is mirror polished, as is the upper part of the stepped escape-wheel bridge. The barrel and the fusee are satin-brushed, as are all 790 components of the chain. Finally, all the movement parts are hand-chamfered and bevelled with traditional tools by the artisans of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. The quality control of these finishes is carried out under a much higher degree of magnification than is customary in watchmaking, using a 6.7x magnifying glass. At such a level, no detail, however tiny, can go unnoticed. Therein lies the excellence cherished by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. This respect for watchmaking tradition, expressed with unmistakable modernity in the Chronomètre FB 2RE, will always remain at the very core of all future developments from the Maison.

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