Get updated on the latest news from the watch world - Subscribe

DailyWatch MAGAZINE

Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette FB RS

One movement, Two cases

Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette FB RS

One movement, Two cases

As fans of independent watchmaking, we introduce you to the the Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette FB RS

The impressive legacy of Ferdinand Berthoud

In 2015, when Chopard CEO Scheufele resurrected Ferdinand Berthoud as a new ultra high-end watchmaking brand, the name and the launching model Chronometre FB1 made clear what to expect: Exceptional traditional watchmaking in the name of a man (1727-1807) who left an impressive legacy in 18th century watchmaking.  

Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette
Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette

Feast for lovers of complex watchmaking

The Ferdinand Berthoud FB1 stood out for me in terms of complexity and design. The octagonal case shape was (and is) very distinctive, and the tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission were a feast for the lovers of complex watchmaking. Fast forward to 2021 the brand has consistently built on a series of watches in the same philosophy. Berthoud created several variations on the FB1 line and only last year the GPHG-award winning FB2 line. This line featured a new movement, round case shape and traditional looks.

Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette

The new Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squellette FB RS

With the launch of the new Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squellette FB RS, the watchmaker takes another big step. They made a further development on the watchmaking side, by creating the first skeleton movement with tourbillon and fusee-and-chain transmission. It is also the introduction of a new mindset, as FB is announcing the production of movements instead of watches. It seems like a nuance, but this shift in mindset is both paying tribute to the origins of the manufacture. But also an example of innovative thinking.

Collector’s interest

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele explains the latter as follows: “Our primary objective is to safeguard collectors interests. By explicitly specifying a pre-determined number of movements, we engage in a fully transparent procedure”. The movement is the basis, and for starters the collector has a choice in the watch exterior: either in shape (the octagonal or round case), and in material (carburized stainless steel , 18k rose gold, platinum and more). The bespoke process starts with the customer request, which will all be studied individually. 

An unprecedented possibility so far. This level of customization also pays tribute to the origins of Ferdinand Berthoud: three centuries ago customization was rule, and pocket watches were usually created to the owners personal taste. Over the years, standardization became rule for almost any watch brand, as production processes changed in order to meet increasing production numbers.

Ferdinand Berthoud Regulateur Squelette Rose Gold

With the extremely low production numbers of Ferdinand Berthoud, the brand is able to make the shift to customization again. Like in the past the number of available movement slots will be communicated and based on that the watches will be created for the client. The FB-T.FC-RS caliber will come in 20 pieces, in the above mentioned variations. 

Both traditional and innovation are beautifully blended by Ferdinand Berthoud. Transparancy in communication and allocation, with the collectors interest in mind, combined with technical flexibility in watchmaking at the highest level. Not many brands bring us closer to the idea of having your own watch made by a brilliant watchmaker instead of just ordering a watch..

MORE ARTICLES

Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire

At Hublot, Innovation is a way of life. The Art of Fusion mindset, masterminded by Jean Claude Biver and further driven forward by current CEO Ricardo Guadeloupe, takes nothing for granted when it comes to using innovative materials such as sapphire and blending for instance gold and rubber. The Big Bang Unico Sapphire was the […]

Glashütte Original Senator Excellence – Masters of Evolution

The Glashütte Original Senator line is a fundamental part of the brands catalogue for a long time. The Senator is not only important in its variety, ranging from time only models at the more affordable levels to the top high complications such as the tourbillon. The modern yet traditional aesthetics of the Senator is also […]

This Greubel Forsey prototype is cheaper than you think…

Every innovation in horology always starts with an idea. Someone thinks of either an improvement on a current technology or starts with something ground-breaking new. The stories of how brands like Urwerk, MB&F and Greubel Forsey came to life usually involve a lot of kitchen table talks and sketching, and what follows is heroic and […]