Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 2RSM: A Legacy in Motion
The Chronomètre FB 2RSM by Ferdinand Berthoud is a rare fusion of horological history and modern innovation. Inspired by the Marine Clock No. 8, crafted in 1768 by Ferdinand Berthoud himself, this contemporary timepiece pays homage to the golden age of marine chronometry—while pushing technical boundaries in the present.
What sets the FB 2RSM apart is its origin. As part of an academic collaboration, a young watchmaker from the University of Neuchâtel was invited by the brand to develop the movement. The result is a creation that captures the spirit of 18th-century precision, interpreted through modern engineering.
Housed in a case of 18k rose gold, the watch features a satin-finished dial enhanced by CVD treatment, offering durability and a sophisticated sheen. But its unique time display sets it apart:
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Hours appear via a rotating disc at 2 o’clock.
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A skeletonized minute hand rises at 12 o’clock.
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A central dead-beat seconds hand commands attention with crisp one-second jumps.
At 6 o’clock, a hand-engraved homage to the original No. 8 marine chronometer offers a subtle historical reference.
Technically, the FB 2RSM is remarkable. It employs a fusée-and-chain transmission that delivers constant force to a patented tourbillon, ensuring stable performance. The Direct Drive Seconds mechanism synchronizes the seconds hand precisely with the balance wheel’s oscillations. Combined with the dead-beat seconds complication, this ensures absolute clarity—each tick marking a true second.
Measuring 44mm in diameter and 14.3mm thick, the FB 2RSM is available in an ultra-limited edition of just 20 pieces. Collectors can choose between a round or octagonal case, and personalize select design elements to make each watch uniquely their own.
The Chronomètre FB 2RSM is not just a timepiece—it is a conversation between centuries, crafted for those who understand that horology is both science and art.
Price: $271,000
