The Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2RES.6-2: A Masterpiece Unveiled

Origins and Innovations

The Chronomètre FB 2RES.6-2 continues the legacy set by its predecessor, the Chronomètre FB 2RE, which made its debut four years ago. This new collection showcases Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud’s innovative approach to watchmaking, introducing several remarkable features:

1. Redesigned Movement View: The movement, celebrated for its precision and performance, now takes center stage. Customizable bridges and mainplate reveal the intricate inner workings of the timepiece. Previously concealed beneath a domed Grand Feu enamel dial, the movement now enjoys a technical combination of bridges and a wider opening.
2. Historical Inspiration: The wider opening, stretching from 3 o’clock to 6 o’clock, pays homage to a skeletonized table clock crafted by Ferdinand Berthoud himself in 1775. This geometry, with three bridges converging towards the dial center, creates a captivating visual effect.
3. The “Remontoir d’égalité”: At 6 o’clock, the Chronomètre FB 2RES.6-2 reveals a construction equipped with a “remontoir d’égalité”. But what exactly is this intriguing feature?

The Remontoir d’égalité: A Key to Precision

The remontoir d’égalité plays a crucial role in maintaining consistent energy delivery to the escapement. Here’s why it’s important:

• Constant Energy Flow: In watchmaking, maintaining a steady energy supply to the balance wheel ensures accurate timekeeping. The remontoir ensures that the escapement receives a uniform pulse of power, regardless of variations in the mainspring’s torque.
• How It Works: Positioned between the fourth wheel of the gear train and the escapement, the remontoir employs a short-duration spring. This intermediate wheel delivers energy to the escapement in regular intervals, preventing sudden fluctuations and ensuring precision.
• Deadbeat Seconds and Meticulous Craftsmanship: The large central seconds hand, driven by the remontoir, moves in one-second intervals, showcasing the intricate mechanical workings. Hand chamfering, meticulous finishing of wheels, bridges, and screws—all underscore the attention to detail by the watchmakers at Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud.

Technical Specifications

• Movement: The precise FB-RES.FC is a mechanical manual-winding movement with a constant force system, fusee-and-chain transmission, and a one-second remontoir.
• Case Dimensions: The elegant stainless steel case measures 37.30 mm in diameter and 9.37 mm in thickness.
• Power Reserve: A comfortable 50 hours of power reserve ensures reliable performance.
• Decoration: Nickel silver bridges, stylized stainless-steel pillars, and hand-finishing elevate the aesthetics to the highest watchmaking standards.
• COSC-Certified: The Chronomètre FB 2RES.6-2 meets the stringent criteria of the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).

The Chronomètre FB 2RES.6-2 is not only a gorgeous iteration of its predecessor but also a testament to the fusion of tradition and modernity. Its mesmerizing movement, historical inspiration, and impeccable craftsmanship make it a true horological masterpiece.

Next time you admire this timepiece, imagine wearing it with the caseback facing front, revealing the heart of its mechanical artistry—a sight to behold!