With Its Mesure du Temps 1787, Ferdinand Berthoud Puts New Mechanical Architecture on Full Display

The “Mesure du Temps 1787” collection by Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud marks the start of a new decade, paying homage to the master-watchmaker’s 1787 treatise on time measurement. It continues the architectural evolution begun with the 2025 Naissance d’une Montre 3 project, presenting a movement whose complexity is fully visible on the dial.

Today, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud introduces Chapter 1: the Chronomètre FB 2TV, which combines a flying tourbillon with a fusée-and-chain constant-force device on the dial side of the watch, allowing collectors to witness their choreography in real time.

The FB 2TV’s Calibre FB-TV.FC evolves from the original FB-T.FC, preserving the regulating principle while adding two complications designed for precision timekeeping. This hand-finished calibre requires nearly 300 hours of artisan work to complete, including 777 components dedicated solely to the chain.

•  First chapter of the Mesure du Temps 1787 collection featuring the flying tourbillon
•  Fully openworked movement visible on the dial side
•  Fusee-and-chain constant-force mechanism with two new complications
•  1,240 hand-finished components, 777 for the chain alone
•  60-hour power reserve and innovative reset/flyback seconds function

Ferdinand Berthoud has consistently blended historical inspiration and horological heritage with contemporary watchmaking. For instance, the first FB-T.FC calibre, introduced in 2015, paid tribute to Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine clocks and established a pillar-type movement structure with suspended components, allowing a clear view of the mechanism from the caseback.

Over the years, this approach has guided the brand’s pursuit of innovation.
 

With the Mesure du Temps 1787 collection, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud expands this philosophy, placing nearly the entire movement on display on the dial side. This evolution bridges historical reference and modern technique, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for engineering artistry and mechanical storytelling.

Calibre FB-TV.FC presents a flying tourbillon supported solely by the intermediate bridge, integrating a fusée-and-chain constant-force mechanism to maintain chronometric precision.

The design ensures that the movement is almost entirely visible from the dial, showcasing technical excellence alongside decorative craftsmanship. The movement incorporates two novel complications: a stop-seconds mechanism and a flyback-type zero-resetting of the central seconds hand.
 

The flyback zero-reset allows the seconds hand to be reset while the movement continues to run. A titanium filamentary hand absorbs reset forces, preventing vibration and ensuring accuracy. Additional technical optimizations include a redesigned fusée orientation, a triple-satellite differential system, and a pre-winding mechanism for the barrel, which improve torque consistency and extend the power reserve to 60 hours.
 

More details on expert craftsmanship and COSC-certified precision are available on the brand’s site.

The Chronomètre FB 2TV’s dial features an off-center hours-and-minutes sub-dial at 12 o’clock, with a white varnished base and a black varnished, engraved minutes track. Meanwhile, faceted, hollowed-out diamond-polished hands in blue CVD-treated 18-karat gold ensure readability.

The suspended power-reserve indicator at 7:30 adds depth. Additionally, the dial’s openworked layout allows collectors to fully appreciate the flying tourbillon and the fusée-chain mechanism.
 

This design merges historical reference with modern aesthetics, as the dial architecture recalls early Chronomètre FB 1 models while incorporating contemporary materials and finishing techniques. For example, the filamentary seconds hand sits atop a three-dimensional bridge that is beveled, engraved, and sandblasted, emphasizing both functionality and sculptural beauty.

The 44mm round case in 18-karat white gold measures 15.46mm thick to accommodate the movement while maintaining elegant proportions. Domed sapphire crystals on both front and back minimize visual bulk and enhance legibility. The dynamometric crown integrates the flyback seconds reset pusher, and the screw-down caseback ensures 30 meters of water resistance.
 

Ethical 18-karat white gold complements the hand-sanded nickel-silver movement, reinforcing the harmony between materials and the mechanical display. The case architecture not only accommodates complex mechanics but also accentuates them, giving the wearer a complete view of the movement from multiple angles.

Every element of Calibre FB-TV.FC reflects exceptional hand-finishing, from the 1,240 individual components to the 777 pieces forming the chain. The movement’s design emphasizes suspended parts and pillar-type structures, creating a visual and mechanical harmony that embodies haute horlogerie
 

The flying tourbillon, fusée-and-chain mechanism, and innovative flyback seconds reset showcase Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud’s ability to combine historical principles of precision with contemporary engineering. The result is a watch that is as much a mechanical exhibit as it is a timekeeper.

The Chronomètre FB 2TV defines a new standard in openworked chronometry, revealing nearly all of its mechanical complexity on the dial side. This approach celebrates transparency in design while demonstrating technical mastery, making it a landmark piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
 

It pays tribute to Ferdinand Berthoud’s 1787 treatise while incorporating six years of research and development. For context on the architecture that preceded this model, see the Chronomètre FB 2RE.2 model, which demonstrates the lineage of suspended and pillar-type movements.

The Chronomètre FB 2TV is produced according to workshop capacity, with approximately 10 to 12 pieces made per year.

For more details, visit the official Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud website.

What movement does it use?
It uses the hand-wound Calibre FB-TV.FC with a flying tourbillon and fusee-and-chain constant-force mechanism.

Is it a limited edition?
Production is limited by workshop capacity, with approximately 10–12 pieces per year.

What makes this watch unique?
It fully exposes its mechanical architecture on the dial side and introduces two new complications, in