The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1RES.3 Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition exemplifies horological artistry, innovation, and a dedication to fine craftsmanship. This limited-edition timepiece, created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Singapore’s Sincere Fine Watches, blends historical inspiration with modern technical excellence. Ferdinand Berthoud, a brand launched in 2015 by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, has consistently pushed the boundaries of mechanical watchmaking, and this creation continues that legacy. This also befits the fame of historical watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807), for whom the brand is named.
The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1RES.3 Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition revisits the renowned octagonal case that has been inextricably linked with Ferdinand Berthoud since 2015. Measuring 44mm, the case houses a satin-brushed salmon dial made from gilded 4N nickel-silver, offering a glimpse of the celebrated Calibre FB-RES.FC with a broad opening from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock that reveals three bridges converging at the center of the dial. This calibre is a testament to Ferdinand Berthoud’s engineering mastery, utilising a fusee-and-chain transmission system paired with a remontoir d’égalité for precision. Drawing inspiration from marine chronometers of the 18th century, the timepiece adopts a minimalist approach, highlighting hours, minutes, dead-beat seconds, and a power reserve indicator.
Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1RES.3 Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition (pictured above)
The salmon dial, protected by a domed, glare-proofed sapphire crystal, reveals the intricate skeletonisation and decoration that highlight the movement’s complexity. At 9 o’clock, the power reserve indicator is displayed.
The timepiece’s movement is a marvel of precision engineering and traditional craftsmanship. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (vph) with a power reserve of 50 hours, the Calibre FB-RES.FC uses the aforementioned fusee-and-chain mechanism to maintain consistent torque throughout its operation. The system, which alone comprises 790 components, works in tandem with the remontoir d’égalité, which stores and regulates power before delivering a constant force to the balance. This precision mechanism ensures accurate timekeeping and drives the dead-beat seconds hand in one-second intervals.
The movement’s exceptional craftsmanship is visible through the caseback, fitted with sapphire crystal. Bridges and mainplates, made of nickel-silver, are skeletonised and hand-finished with bevelled edges that span a total combined length of two meters and require more than 250 hours to complete. Each wheel, screw, and bridge is meticulously decorated, showcasing the artistry synonymous with Ferdinand Berthoud.
This edition notably forgoes the laser-engraved Sincere emblem on the caseback, allowing for an unobstructed view of the intricate mechanism within. Instead, the platinum case is adorned with Sincere’s Platinum Jubilee emblem engraved along its side, commemorating the collaboration in a subtle yet significant manner. Despite its complexity, the watch remains visually harmonious, encapsulating Ferdinand Berthoud’s ethos of preserving traditional watchmaking while embracing modern techniques.
Limited to just three pieces, the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1RES.3 Sincere Platinum Jubilee Edition will be available at Sincere Fine Watches boutiques at a retail price of SGD 452,800.
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