Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1 “Night Star”
Only Watch 2019: Ferdinand Berthoud Offers A Star In The Night
Participating in the Only Watch charity auction for the first time, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is offering a unique, modern, poetic, and symbolic piece: the Chronomètre FB 1 "Night Star."
By Benjamin Teisseire
Contributor
Since the launch of its first FB1 model in 2015, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has increasingly established its name in the world of high-end watchmaking. Specifically, the line’s unique case design that was inspired by the master watchmaker's 18th-century marine clocks, its technicality, and its exemplary chronometry make it a sought-after prize for the most attentive collectors.
A unique piece for Only Watch
Participation in the famous charity auction offers brands the opportunity to present unique pieces, inspired by the Only Watch theme, to help the noble cause of the fighting against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a form of muscle degeneration that is currently incurable.
With the FB 1 "Night Star," Ferdinand Berthoud offers an exceptional timepiece that will be sold by Christie's in Geneva on November 9, 2019. This unique piece is housed in an anthracite-ceramized titanium case. Its sandblasted finish, deep color, and luminosity give new modernity to the watch. There are, of course, the characteristics typical of the haute horlogerie manufacture: impeccable chronometry, certified COSC (but even more precise), the display evoking marine clocks of yesteryear, the chain and fusée visible through two"portholes" around the case sides, and a tourbillon directly linked to the central seconds hand.
The calibre FB-T.FC remains at the heart of the "Night Star" but adds three semi-beveled sapphire bridges. Visible through the sapphire crystal caseback, they offer a view of all the exceptional mechanics. A splendor!
The commitment of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele
Committed to supporting noble causes while perpetuating the traditions of fine watchmaking, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard and President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, explains, "We are very happy to support a major cause of scientific research that still affects so many children and adults. This enduring commitment has enabled us to develop bold unique pieces, stemming from lengthy aesthetic and technical research, reflection powerful choices that our collectors did not necessarily expect. The Chronomètre FB 1 "Night Star" reflects the same perspective. It enables us to present an original aesthetic that is sophisticated and different from our more traditional models." An additional gem in Scheufele’s continuous work to preserve watchmaking know-how, to innovate, and to give meaning to horology as a whole.
Multiple symbols
The name itself evokes the origins of the brand and its eponymous founder’s rich maritime past, referring to the use of stars by navigators to determine their position in the ocean. The "Night Star" is also a symbol of hope, like the light that guided sailors through the night. It is in this perspective that the timepiece also features white Super-LumiNova coating on the hands and numerals – a first for Ferdinand Berthoud. The contrast with the dark tones of the case, grained dial, and black rhodium movement symbolizes a ray of hope in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A unique piece that will delight the most discerning of collectors. Happy bidding!
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)
Ferdinand Berthoud Makes A Historic Splash With The New Chronomètre FB 2RE
By Hyla Bauer
, Contributor
By staying faithful to the design and mechanics of Berthoud’s historic marine chronometers, the FB 2RE is bound to become a collector favorite.
