Introducing: The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 3SPC.2-1

Following the resurrection of the name Ferdinand Berthoud by Chopard’s co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in 2015, with the introduction of the Chronomètre FB1, a superb tourbillon watch with fusée-and-chain device, followed by the no less spectacular Chronomètre FB2, the brand presented another award-winning watch, a superb wrist chronometer with cylindrical balance-spring named the Chronomètre FB 3SPC – a timepiece that we explored in detail in this video. Following several editions of this exceptional watch, the brand comes back with a new monochromatic execution, uniting a rose gold case with a nickel silver movement, under the reference FB 3SPC.2-1.

Despite being relatively simple in terms of complications and indications, the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 3SPC is nothing short of spectacular… As you’d expect from the brand, its beauty lies in its impeccable execution, traditional decoration, focus on chronometry and several technical solutions that make it far more complex than just a time-only watch. The watch, when released in 2022, featured an unprecedented combination of a variable-inertia balance, cylindrical balance spring and chronometer certification (COSC) – which is the reason why it was awarded the Chronometry prize at the GPHG 2023. Following multiple editions, from the inaugural white or pink gold editions, modern black or titanium versions, or more precious platinum editions, the model comes back in a warm, lightly retro-styled version in rose gold to mark the opening of Art in Time Tokyo.

The Chronomètre FB 3SPC is now offered in a new 18k 5N rose gold case. The fundamentals remain, with a case measuring 42.30mm in diameter and a reasonable 9.3mm thickness. More classic than previous FB watches, its round shape is, nevertheless, enhanced by signature features such as the large crown allowing for easy operations and the porthole in the case middle at 9 o’clock, which offers a captivating view of the beating cylindrical hairspring.

For a warm monochromatic look, which gives this Chronometre FB 3SPC.2-1 a rich and somehow historical look, all elements visible through the dial (which actually are parts of the movement) have been treated in nickel silver (also known as German silver or maillechort in French), finished with a sandblasted finish, and framed with a beige-varnished inner bezel ring. Not only does the whole watch feel chromatically consistent, but also relatively subtle due to the mostly matte surfaces. And this softer background gives an even better contrast to the beautifully polished bevels. Hours and minutes are indicated with facetted and skeletonised open-tipped hands, in 18k gold with a blue CVD-treatment, a colour also found on seconds hand and power-reserve indicator, together with several screws.

Also perfectly highlighted on the front and back of the watch is the regulating organ, equipped with a cylindrical balance-spring equipped with two terminal curves, formed by hand, a specially designed collet and a variable-inertia balance, reasons for the movement being chronometer-certified. The in-house calibre is powered by a large barrel held under an arched bridge, delivering 72 hours of power reserve. The back of the watch is consistent with the dial side, with multiple finely decorated bridges in nickel silver with manual fine sandblasted surfaces and hand-polished bevels.

Officially unveiled on the occasion of the opening of Art in Time Tokyo, this new Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1 in rose gold is a non-limited edition and completes the collection alongside the existing white gold variation, the FB 3SPC.1. The exact price has not been revealed, but should be around CHF 160,000. For more details, please visit ferdinandberthoud.ch.