Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC: New Release

quattro · 2026-03-31T12:10:53Z

Discover the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2TV.1, a new flying tourbillon with fusée-and-chain. Explore its visible mechanism and 18k white gold case.

quattro

WPS member · Chopard forum

38 replies1490 views13 photos

In this insightful article, quattro introduces the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2TV.1, the inaugural Chapter 1 of the new « Mesure du Temps 1787 » collection. quattro meticulously details the technical advancements and aesthetic choices of this flying tourbillon with constant force, providing a foundational understanding for collectors. His initial assessment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Ferdinand Berthoud's evolving horological philosophy.

Ferdinand Berthoud releases the Chapter 1 of a new collection called « Mesure du Temps 1787 », a name derived from the title of a reference work published by Ferdinand Berthoud in 1787:

“De la Mesure du Temps ou supplément au Traité des horloges marines et à l’Essai sur l’horlogerie […]”

(On the Measurement of Time or Supplement to the Treatise on Marine Clocks and the Essay on Horology).

The Chronomètre FB 2TV.1 is a flying tourbillon with constant force via a fusée-and-chain transmission.

The hand-sanded natural nickel-silver movement is the successor to the original Calibre FB-T.FC unveiled in 2015 with the FB1.

The new Calibre FB-TV.FC which is COSC chronometer-certified, uses the same regulating principle as its predecessor, while incorporating a flying tourbillon and enhanced with two complications:

stop‑seconds

and a central seconds flyback reset.

Chronomètre FB 2TV.1 is housed in an 18-carat white gold case which is reminiscent of the 2020 Remontoir d’Egalité FB 2RE.

The primary intention of the new Calibre FB-TV.FC is to render almost its entire mechanism visible on the dial side, as many collectors have asked for.

A new titanium filamentary seconds hand has been specially created to absorb the power of zero-resetting.

The flying tourbillon is supported solely by the intermediate bridge, to which the fixed seconds wheel and the cage carrier are attached, with their jewels ensuring the guidance of the entire mechanism.

Measuring 15 mm diameter, its three-spoked profile alternates between flat and sloping sections, echoing the shape of the centre bridge.

The flyback-type zero-resetting of the seconds hand is activated by a coaxial pusher embedded in the dynamometric winding crown.

As most of the magic happens on the dial side, the back is far less spectacular.

However, the second reset or flyback function is made possible by a specially shaped cam, visible in the centre of the movement, along with the lever that resets it.

The watch measures 44 x 15.46 mm.

credit: Monochrome

Even if, as always with Ferdinand Berthoud, I'm impressed by the watchmaking, I personally dislike the display of the mechanism on the dial side, so this watch doesn't appeal to me at all.

But what do you think?

Best, Emmanuel

Key Points from the Discussion

The Chronomètre FB 2TV.1 is lauded for its technological prowess and exceptional finishing, consistent with Ferdinand Berthoud's reputation for high watchmaking.
While appreciating the new model, some collectors, like Mitch K, express a preference for the enamel, multi-layered dial of previous models like the FB 2RE, which is absent in this iteration.
The new Calibre FB-TV.FC, with its flying tourbillon and stop-seconds, represents a new movement, yet its layout, particularly from the case back, maintains a visual continuity with prior FB 2T iterations.
The original author, quattro, reiterates a personal preference against open-worked dials, favoring the 'magic' to be displayed on the case back, as exemplified by the FB2RE's solid enamel dial.
The aesthetic of the Chronomètre FB 2TV.1, particularly its open dial, draws comparisons to other high-horology pieces like the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Chronometer with ChronAP escapement.
A contributor questions the pricing strategy of the FB 2TV.1, suggesting it is ambitious when compared to other high-end independent watchmakers in a similar price bracket.

The Discussion

Arronax

Mar 31, 2026

If I had the money - and that's a lot of it - I would only change the shape of the hour and minute hand to something more elegant.

quattro

Mar 31, 2026

But if I had this kind of money, I’d buy a Laurent Ferrier Classic Tourbillon and keep the change to travel around the world! 😊 Best, Emmanuel

kkwn98

Mar 31, 2026

It reminds me a little of the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Chronometer with the ChronAP escapement... I think I might prefer it in the octagonal case like the FB1, but it looks great and I'm looking forward to seeing and handling it in the metal. Kind regards, kkwn98

Arronax

Mar 31, 2026

Although cheating a bit. What other fusee & chain model would you choose?

Bob L.

Mar 31, 2026

As always with Ferdinand Berthoud, this is an incredible timepiece. And no doubt, when seen in person, both the mechanics and the finishing are stunning. While a new movement because of the flying tourbillon and stop seconds—two great additions—the layout is reminiscent of the prior iteration of the FB 2T. Here’s an example of the “final” version of that movement, in a similar case, and you can see how the layout aligns, especially when viewed from the back.

quattro

Mar 31, 2026

I featured it in the thread I dedicated to Fusée-and-chain: www.watchprosite.com

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