Ferdinand Berthoud introduced the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 1L at Baselworld 2019, presenting one of the brand’s most distinctive creations. The watch draws inspiration from 18th-century marine chronometers and carries forward Berthoud’s legacy of scientific exploration. The Chronometre FB 1L blends a fusée-and-chain constant-force mechanism, a tourbillon, and an advanced moon-age display that measures the synodic cycle with remarkable accuracy.
The 44 mm octagonal case is a signature Ferdinand Berthoud design. The sandblasted white-gold construction is paired with dark-grey ceramised titanium side components, giving the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 1L a modern, angular silhouette that contrasts with the classical astronomical theme. The dial is treated with a black PVD finish, creating a deep, shadowed aesthetic reminiscent of the dark side of the moon.
At 12 o’clock sits an off-center time display for hours and minutes, while a long central seconds hand sweeps across the dial. At 4 o’clock, a sculpted gold hemisphere represents the moon, complete with a 3D rendering of the lunar far side. A slim indicator extends from the moon to track the waxing and waning trend, offering a visually poetic yet highly technical display.
Positioned at 8 o’clock is a sector-shaped moon-age indicator. Throughout the lunar cycle, the hand travels from “1” at the new moon to “14” at the full moon and then returns. This mechanism achieves an extraordinary precision, deviating by only one day in 577 years — one of the most impressive accuracies in modern lunar complications.
Inside the watch is the Calibre FB-T.FC.L manual-winding movement, operating at 21,600 vph with a 53-hour power reserve. The movement contains 1,270 components, including a 285 mm fusée-and-chain system that ensures constant torque to the escapement. Turning the watch over reveals the beautifully finished tourbillon and a clear power-reserve indicator. The slow, graceful rotation of the tourbillon is one of the most captivating visual highlights of the Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometre FB 1L.
The watch is delivered on a black alligator leather strap paired with a white-gold folding clasp, adding comfort and elegance to the otherwise technical appearance. The retail price is 250,000 Swiss francs, positioning this model among the most exclusive astronomical timepieces in contemporary haute horlogerie.
For further technical references, you can visit the official website: Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1L Collection.
Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1L Moon Age Tourbillon Watch
Sandblasted white-gold and ceramised titanium case, 44 mm diameter, 13.95 mm thickness, sapphire crystal back, white-gold crown, PVD-treated dial, Calibre FB-T.FC.L movement, 55 jewels, 21,600 vph, 53-hour power reserve, alligator strap, 30 m water resistance.
Complications: tourbillon, moon age display.
