Exclusive pictures of the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.1. In collaboration with Pisa 1940, the largest watch dealer in Italy.
The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.1 draws its stylistic, technical, and aesthetic inspiration from a rare model created by Swiss master watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud in 1753: the No. 26 decimal watch, distinguished by its cylindrical balance-spring.
We recently had the opportunity to capture images of this highly exclusive and rare timepiece at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan, and we are now delighted to share them with our readers.
Pisa 1940 stands as the largest watch dealer in Italy, a renowned name among international watch collectors familiar with auctions. Many prestigious watch brands, such as Patek Philippe, F.P. Journe, IWC, and others, have created exclusive editions for this historic retailer. The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.1 model in question, like other creations of the Swiss brand, is also available through their online platform.
The new Calibre FB-SPC mechanical movement designed for the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.1 replicates the innovative cylindrical balance-spring concept of the original No. 26 decimal watch.
A detail of the No. 26 decimal watch (1753) and, below, a close-up of the cylindrical balance spring of the new Calibre FB-SPC
In addition to the development of a new variable-inertia balance-spring, equipped with four fine adjustment screws and 12 load screws, the engineers of Ferdinand Berthoud made extensive testing and fine tuning to find the optimal number of coils and the geometry of the terminal curve at the attachment points in order to satisfy the chronometric (precision timekeeping) criteria of the COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres).
The three main escapement organs – the balance-wheel, pallet-lever and escape-wheel – take the spotlight on the dial side at 9 o'clock making it possible to admire the regular beating (21,600 vibrations per hour) of the cylindrical balance-spring throughout the three-day power reserve.
The watch is housed in a round case measuring 42 mm in diameter and 9.43 mm thick, available in 18-carat white like the model in our pictures (ref. FB 3SPC.1) or in rose gold (ref. FB 3SPC.2).
A transparent sapphire crystal porthole positioned on the caseband at 9 o'clock offers a lateral view of the cylindrical balance-spring in action.
The case is paired to pale yellow gold movement components and an eggshell-coloured dial in sandblasted silver-toned brass.
The facetted, skeletonised, and open-tipped hands 18-carat gold with blue CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) treatment are inspired by a 1785 Ferdinand Berthoud astronomical regulator belonging to the Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud heritage collection in Fleurier.
A single line hugs the curves of the domed crystal and the slender polished bezel, extending along the strap and the lugs screwed to the case.
The indication of time has been pared down to the essential: a peripheral inner bezel ring for hours and minutes, and small seconds at 6 o'clock. At 2 o'clock, the power-reserve indicator is engraved in a sector graduated in 12-hour segments from "0" to "1".
The rest of the dial is open to showcase the movement's components, exhibiting finishes such as chamfered and polished bevels, along with matt surfaces created by fine sandblasting.
More than 100 hours are needed to decorate the 230 components of the movement to meet the high standards of creations bearing the Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud signature.
The watch is complemented by a luxurious leather strap fastened with a white gold pin buckle engraved with the brand's logo.
Production of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC is naturally limited by the capacities of the Ferdinand Berthoud workshop in Fleurier to a maximum 25 of these timepieces per year. The piece featured in our pictures was photographed at the Pisa 1940 flagship store in Milan and is available through their online platform. ferdinandberthoud.ch
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