The 10th anniversary of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is elevated by a beautiful platinum FB 3SPC model, introduced at the Watches and Wonders 2025.
Nine movements, designed and created in-house, beating in the models across three collections and numerous awards represent the achievements of the past 10 years since the launch of the old-new manufacture. Led by his admiration for the masterful works of 18th-century watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele set out to resurrect the former manufacture in the spirit of the founder in 2015. Adhering to the principles he had set for the company, every model leaving the workbench is conceived as the result of an imaginary collaboration between Mr. Scheufele’s team and the eponymous watchmaker.
On this significant anniversary, he highlights chronometry as the main guiding principle for the creation of all their timepieces: ‘Ferdinand Berthoud devoted his life to creating increasingly accurate marine chronometers to accompany the landmark maritime expeditions that shaped the 18th century. The master watchmaker constantly improved his escapements, suspensions, materials, and displays to achieve tolerances that were absolutely extraordinary for the time. The most convincing example is undoubtedly the Marine Clock No. 8 (kept at the CNAM in Paris) which, after 12 months at sea, was only 1.35 minutes off compared with the time at its departure. This personal trajectory has guided all the developments that we are now making in his name.’
He emphasizes that chronometric performance over the last 10 years has been achieved in conjunction with historical fidelity. ’We have studied the mechanisms favoured by Ferdinand Berthoud himself – such as fusée-and-chain transmission, the remontoir d’égalité, and the cylindrical balance spring – in order to create contemporary wristwatches. Every movement that leaves our workshops must be COSC-certified, with the results obtained exceeding the criteria imposed by this independent organisation,’ he added.
The collection that debuted in 2015 featured an octagonal case, which might seem unusual today but was characteristic of marine chronometers from Berthoud’s era. The FB1 appeared in many different versions, including a hidden tourbillon model and a bronze-cased variant. It received the prestigious ‘Aiguille d’Or’ Grand Prix at the GPHG in 2016, its first year, and the Chronometry Prize in 2019. The round case emerged with the FB2 collection, first appearing on the FB 2RE.2 in 2020 and then the 2RSM.2-1 in 2022. Demonstrating the coexistence of both case types, the FB RES ‘Remontoir d’Égalité Squelette’ was presented in both octagonal and round versions last year.
Chronomètre FB 3SPC in Platinum
The FB 3SPC collection, inspired by Pierre-Louis Berthoud’s No. 26 decimal watch, debuted in 2022. Perhaps as a nod to the decimal watch origin, or maybe by coincidence, Ferdinand Berthoud chose this model to celebrate the 10th anniversary. The 57-component case is made of noble platinum 950. The multi-layered architecture of the calibre is an aesthetic marvel, while its performance won the Chronometry prize for the brand at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2023. The components of the escapement are the centre of attention at 9 o’clock, revealing the rhythmic oscillation of the balance wheel equipped with a cylindrical hairspring.
The timepiece comes in two very different versions. The FB 3SPC.3 features sandblasted salmon-pink plates, framed by silver-toned brass inner bezel and seconds scale rings, and blue CVD-treated 18-carat gold hands. The FB 3SPC.3-1, on the other hand, has black PVD-treated plates and black-varnished rings with white gold hands. The heel-shaped escapement bridges are straight-grained natural nickel silver on both models.
Both models are limited editions of 20 pieces each.
Naissance d’une Montre 3
The crown jewel of the 10th-anniversary year will be the unveiling of the handmade piece created within the framework of the Time Æon Foundation. Announced by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele in 2019, Ferdinand Berthoud has been working on creating a three-hand wristwatch entirely by hand using ancient techniques, including the fusée chain. The goals of the foundation and the Naissance d’une Montre projects are to preserve these nearly forgotten watchmaking methods and tools and integrate their use into modern watchmaking.
‘While we have various activities planned throughout the year, the most eagerly awaited revelation is undoubtedly the culmination of the “Naissance d’une Montre 3” project. This initiative aims to bring together the talents of yesterday and today, to assemble their notes and sketches, to unite their knowledge in pursuit of a common goal: not merely the entirely handcrafted timepiece, but the safeguarding of the expertise that brings it to life. The project will be the culmination of our first ten years of learning, innovation, and transmission. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025,’ said Karl-Friedrich Scheufele.
Photo credits: Ferdinand Berthoud. Loupiosity.com
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