TECHNICAL PROWESS
How can one not admire the impressive work produced with an apprentice from the University of Neuchâtel on this timepiece based on a unique combination of mechanical components?
Drawing on the monumental legacy of Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), the brand’s namesake offers timepieces focused on precision. The latest creation, the FB RSM, takes its inspiration from the marine clock no. 8 designed in the 18th century. This watch is capable of accurately keeping the time of departure from a port throughout a long-distance crossing so as to determine the longitudinal coordinates of the ship. On the dial, the time information can be seen in the form of a regulator. The hour can be read in a window at 2 o’clock and the minutes on an off-center disc at 12 o’clock. A long watch hand marks a seconds scale located all around the perimeter. In addition to its aesthetic particularity, this second-hand advances at the rate of a deadbeat second, jumping from one marker to the next without slipping.
This mechanism is combined with a stop-second device for accurate time setting. The system is orchestrated by the FB-TC.RSM caliber assembled with 1,169 components, including 790 parts for the chain of its one-minute tourbillon regulator equipped with a fusee-chain transmission delivering a constant force. An indicator on the back of the 44mm-diameter case provides information on the energy available with 53 hours of power reserve. This hand-wound mechanism is also certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).Ferdinand Berthoud proposes the FB RSM in two limited editions of 10 watches in pink and white gold. Both come with a brown or blue alligator leather wristband. With all these attributes, this remarkable reference is sure to appeal to passionate, demanding collectors of fine traditional watchmaking.
