Introduced at SIHH 2018, the new FB1-R.6-1 regulateur from Ferdinand Berthoud is the second in the line of creations inspired by the eighteenth Century scientific engineer and Master Watchmaker.
Inspired by Marine Chronometer No.7, which was made by Ferdinand Berthoud himself more than 200 years ago, Chronomètre FB 1R.6-1 features an intriguing regulator configuration.
Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1
The 44 mm x 13.95 mm case is composed of a steel cylinder whose molecular structure has been reinforced by a thermo-chemical process involving the diffusion of vapour-phase carbon, thereby guaranteeing an exceptional surface hardness of 1200 Vickers and making it extremely robust. It is also exceptionally corrosion-resistant and biocompatible.
The case features two octagonal-shaped stainless steel side pieces, with two lateral portholes at 2 and 11 providing views of the chain-and-fusee mechanism in action.
The dial, made of nickel silver, vertically satin-brushed by hand and black rhodium-plated, is a unique type of regulator where all the indications are split to bring the best possible view.
Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1
The main focus is on the second’s hand, while the hours and minutes are split – yet far from being classically displayed too. The large central hand shows the seconds and is directly linked to the tourbillon that whirs beneath the dial. At 12 is the sub-dial for the minutes and at 2 is a surprising arched opening that shows wandering hours (on a glare-proofed sapphire crystal disc featuring transferred Arabic numerals, striking a pleasing contrast against the white background).
Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1
Inside the new Chronomètre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1 is the well-known and superb movement seen in previous editions of the FB 1. Comprising a constant-force fusée-and-chain device as well as a one-minute tourbillon, this movement is state of the art Haute-Horlogerie, also in terms of finishing. All the parts, including the German silver bridges and plates, are meticulously decorated by hand.
Only twenty pieces will be produced, and each one will have a price of €198,000.
Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R.6-1
