Berthoud Demonstrates the Impressive Chronometric Performances of its Chronomètre FB 2RE

As the Grand Prix D’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards ceremony is fast approaching, the competition is heating up between nominated brands. One of the categories with truly interesting contenders in the Chronometry Category. Among the pre-selected watches is the new Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2RE. Named after an illustrious 18^th-century watchmaker, the brand was revived in 2015 by Karl Friedrich Scheufele. Within just a few years, Ferdinand Berthoud has managed to grab two prizes at the GPHG, including the prestigious Aiguille d’Or in 2016! For 2020, as the brand is competing in the chronometry category, Ferdinand Berthoud has just released the chronometric performances of one of its Chronomètre FB 2RE.

The Chronomètre FB 2RE is the brand’s first modern, round-shaped watch and was inspired by Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine chronometers. The 44mm case picks up the shape of a round cylinder and houses a superb Grand Feu enamel dial with Roman numerals. At first glance, the model appears to be a time-only wristwatch but turning the watch over, the exhibition caseback allows you to discover a beautiful and impressive movement. The calibre FB-RE.FC combines different mechanisms to regulate the driving force delivered to the oscillator, a fusée-and-chain fitted with a Maltese cross stop-work and a remontoir d’égalité. For more information, read our introductory article here.

Keen to demonstrate or confirm the potential chronometric performance of the model, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud submitted one of its FB 2RE watches to specific tests. Just like any piece qualifying as a ‘Chronometer’, its movement underwent measurements in laboratory conditions by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres, COSC) for 15 days. In addition, once the movement was housed in its case, the Fleuritest simulator tested the watch’s 50-hour power reserve by simulating real-life movements on the wrist.

And the results are rather impressive, indeed. Over the entire duration of the power reserve, the readings taken show discrepancies of less than 0.5 seconds on average from the benchmark clock! As a comparison, the criteria (or more precisely one of the criteria) for chronometer certification is an average daily rate variation between -4 to +6 seconds, meaning up to 10 seconds per day. In addition, thanks to the constant force mechanisms, the average amplitude measured for the Berthoud FB 2RE chronometer tested shows a reduced variation throughout the running time with a standard deviation of just 2° / an average amplitude 301° (for a standard mechanical movement, the oscillations of the balance wheel are affected by the variations of its driving force in a much more significant way, specifically towards the end of the power reserve).

For more information, please visit Ferdinand Berthoud.