Ferdinand Berthoud presents new edition of FB 3SPC

Newly awarded the “Chronometry Prize” at the GPHG 2023 after a year that had brought great success and multiple awards, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC celebrates its first anniversary with the unveiling of a new version combining a white gold case with a black movement

The first and only wristwatch with a variable-inertia balance and a cylindrical balance-spring to be officially chronometer-certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), the Chronomètre FB 3SPC has been a hit with collectors and watchmaking professionals since its launch in October 2022.

Voted “Best Men’s Watch 2022” by Revolution magazine, then winner of the “High Watchmaking” category in the CH24 Watch of the Year 2023 competition, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC has now added a new and prestigious award to its list of distinctions: the “Chronometry Prize” at the GPHG 2023.

While the FB 1 and FB 2 collections followed in the footsteps of Ferdinand Berthoud’s marine chronometers thanks to constant-force mechanisms, the FB 3 collection explores accuracy from a new angle: that of the cylindrical balance-spring. Particularly appreciated for its stability, this type of hairspring was favoured by the master watchmaker and his nephew Louis Berthoud in their precision timepieces.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, President of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, explains that was how the idea of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC came about. The team wanted to integrate this type of balance-spring into a wristwatch, while retaining its original purpose, which was to guarantee accuracy.

To mark its first anniversary, the Chronomètre FB 3SPC is unveiled in a new, contemporary guise: the 42.3 mm 18-carat white gold case houses a movement in black and anthracite tones, embellished with gilded hands. This new model was presented for the first time at Dubai Watch Week, from November 16 to 20.