FB 1.3-1 Sapphire blue

Scroll

FB 1.3-1 Sapphire blue

Scroll

Totally unique in contemporary watchmaking

Issued in an exclusive five-piece limited edition, the model FB 1.3-1 combines platinum, grey ceramic, and a translucent blue dial decorated with fine lines. It houses the FB-T.FC-2 calibre with its architecture, totally unique in contemporary watchmaking. This manual wind movement features 15 bridges and 3 half-bridges in chamfered sapphire crystal, held in place by polished titanium pillars supporting the mechanical components. This structure is characteristic of eighteenth-century marine chronometers. With exceptional chronometric performance, this movement is regulated by a centre seconds tourbillon and a fusee and chain constant force mechanism.

Features

The 44 mm-diameter case is composed of a 950 platinum cylinder housing the movement. The two octagonal-shaped side pieces in polished platinum contribute to its distinctive shape. The grey ceramic lugs are secured to the case middle by two stylised titanium bolts.

The sapphire half-bridges meet another type of demand. Corundum crystal is distinguished by its extreme properties. Its hardness is exceeded only by that of diamond. Cutting the three bridges, giving them the shape and the required drill-holes, finely chamfering their circumference, calls for ultra high-tech machining.

The FB 1 collection of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud pays tribute to this work and to the movements that pioneered chronometric precision. Its case is inspired by Ferdinand Berthoud's marine chronometers, in particular their gimbal suspension that served to maintain on-board chronometers in a permanently horizontal position.