In 1793, a revolutionary wind was blowing through France. Sexagesimal time became decimal, with one day divided into ten hours of 100 minutes each, themselves divided into 100 seconds. The Decimal Watch No. 26 by Louis Berthoud was one of the few to indicate this measure of time. It is regulated by a cylindrical balance-spring and now provides inspiration for the caliber of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC, of which the initials stand for the French expression “Spiral Cylindrique”. This exceptional example of horological craftsmanship is only one of this type in the world to be chronometer-certified. Ferdinand Berthoud has designed a dedicated space at 9 o’clock where the balance, the pallet-lever and the escape-wheel are clearly visible. There is also a lateral window in the case middle to view the escapement from the side. This version is one of the few at Berthoud to feature a black dial and a rose gold case.
Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2
Case: 18K rose gold, anti-reflective cambered crystal and sapphire caseback, water-resistant to 30m (3 bar)
Dimensions: 42.3mm, 9.43mm thick
Movement: mechanical hand-wound Caliber FB-SPC with cylindrical balance-spring, COSC-certified, 3 Hz, 72h power reserve, 230 components
Dial: black rhodium-plated sandblasted nickel silver, black sandblasted brass flange, gold hands
Functions: hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve
Bracelet: alligator leather, pin buckle
Price: on request
As a WorldTempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the latest digital version of this GMT magazine that you can download here.
