In 2015 Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud launched its first wristwatch featuring the calibre FB-T.FC. The Chronomètre FB 1.1 combined a fusée-and-chain transmission and a tourbillon with pillar-based construction in an unusual octagonal case.
Since then, the Chronomètre FB 1 played a key part in the brand’s identity and now, eight years on, we have the final chapter, with the final 38 examples of this calibre presented for the first time in a round case – meet the FB 2T.1 Final Edition, in a round case that was first seen in 2020 courtesy of the FB 2RE Remontoir d’Egalité collection.
As is the practice for Ferdinand Berthoud, the exterior of these final 38 examples of this calibre can be customised – the customer can select case material, along with dial colour and hand options. This particular FB 2T.1 is in an 18-carat ethical white gold case 44mm sized case. The case is 14.3mm thick and has a water resistance of 30m. The crown is 18-carat white gold and has a black ceramic medallion.
The hours and minutes are at 12 o’clock and at 6 o’clock you ill find the one minute tourbillon. There is a central sweep seconds and a power reserve at 9 o’clock. The base plate of the dial is vertically satin-brushed brass with blue CVD treatment. The faceted and skeletonised hour and minute hands are 18-carat white gold, as is the arrow-shaped power reserve hand, which has blue CVD treatment. The sweep seconds hand is rhodium-plated bronze.
Above the blue satin-brushed dial is a domed sapphire crystal. The open case back also has sapphire crystal (both crystals are glare-proof), and ‘EDITION FINALE’ is engraved into the white gold case back.
Through it you can see the beautifully finished manually-wound COSC-certified Calibre T.FC-2 which powers the tourbillon and has a constant force fusée-and-chain transmission. The movement is 35.50mm in diametre and 7.96mm thick. It beats at 21,600 VPH and has a power reserve of 53 hours. For those who don’t know – it has 1134 components and the chain is 285mm long.
The movement is technically still the same, but with three sapphire bridges now giving the wearer (or spectator) more of a view of the movement. The bridges are bevelled and engraved, and held in place by polished stainless steel pillars.
For those who have not been fortunate enough to have handled Ferdinand Berthoud watches ‘in the metal’ – they really stand out, and not just because of their size and heft, both of which are immediately both noticeable and notable. The finishing is uniformly of extremely high quality and they are just beautiful watches to look at – dial side or movement side.
For this example the alligator strap is on an 18-carat white gold buckle but as mentioned, Ferdinand Berthoud allows for customisation of all their models, so this will include the buckle metal choice as well. Obviously, the price will depend on your choices, so it’s POA.
Categories: Ferdinand Berthoud, Hands-on, Limited Editions, Watch Profile, watches, Watches & Wonders Geneva 2023
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