Ferdinand Berthoud is undeniably one of the greatest names in the history watchmaking. Based in Paris, he was named Horologist-Mechanic to the French navy by King Louis XV. In 2015, the Ferdinand Berthoud brand was re-established and acquired by Chopard, spearheaded by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and his team with an aim to manifest the legacy of one of the greatest horologists in history.

Keeping with the chronometry focused, no corners cut philosophy of the brand, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC is the brand’s third model and draws its stylistic, technical and aesthetic inspiration from the No. 26 decimal watch, made in 1793 by Louis Berthoud.

The watch’s 18th century aesthetics are highlighted by the grené yellow gold plates and visible components, including the cylindrical balance-spring that can not only be admired dial side but also thanks to an opening on the case flank at 9 o’clock.

A cylindrical balance spring, found in marine chronometers increases the watches accuracy rate but are also more challenging to produce.

The FB3SPC may be the simplest watch in the Ferdinand Berthoud catalogue but the quality and attention to detail make it a proud member of the elite production of the brand.