Ferdinand Berthoud Unveils Mesure du Temps 1787 Chronomètre FB 2TV Flying Tourbillon

Ferdinand Berthoud has made a remarkable resurgence since its re-establishment in 2015 under the guidance of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. The brand has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious Aiguille d'Or at GPHG for its initial offering, and is widely celebrated by collectors for its captivating designs and impeccable artistry, exemplified by last year's notable Naissance d’une Montre 3 initiative. Now, a decade on, the company embarks on a fresh chapter with the debut of an innovative collection, 'Mesure du Temps 1787,' introducing the Chronomètre FB 2TV Flying Tourbillon. This collection's name pays homage to Ferdinand Berthoud's seminal 1787 publication, 'De la Mesure du Temps,' a pivotal text on marine chronometers and horology.

The new Chronomètre FB 2TV Flying Tourbillon's aesthetic is distinctly recognizable, with its movement drawing direct inspiration from the 2015 Chronomètre FB 1's calibre FB-T.FC. It integrates the brand’s characteristic fusee-and-chain mechanism and a tourbillon, both of which have been thoroughly re-engineered and enhanced with two additional sophisticated features. Notably, these complex mechanisms are now prominently displayed on the dial side, a departure from their previous placement at the back, as seen in the Naissance d’une Montre 3. The watch's display is a truly magnificent spectacle, boasting a three-dimensional architecture composed of an astonishing 1,240 components—including 777 elements for the chain alone—and demanding nearly 300 hours of meticulous manual finishing.

This extraordinary timepiece is encased in a 44mm by 15.46mm round case, crafted from ethical 18k white gold, with a design that echoes the 2020 Remontoir d’Egalité FB 2RE. It features dual box sapphire crystals, gracing both the front and back, but omits the FB 2RE's sapphire portholes. The hours and minutes are displayed on an off-centre dial with a white lacquered base and an intricately engraved black lacquered minute track. A slender central seconds hand, measuring 25.80mm, enables precise time reading against the white lacquered inner bezel. This watch is paired with a hand-stitched alligator leather strap, available in various sizes and hues upon request, secured by a white gold double-blade safety folding clasp with adjustable length. While not a limited edition, the complexity of the Ferdinand Berthoud Mesure du Temps 1787 Chronomètre FB 2TV and the workshop's production capacity mean that only 10 to 12 pieces are anticipated annually, each priced at EUR 383,000, inclusive of taxes. This dedication to precision and artistry underscores Ferdinand Berthoud's commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-end watchmaking, creating instruments that are not merely time-telling devices but also enduring works of art, each a testament to human ingenuity and pursuit of perfection.