Ferdinand Berthoud - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

Ferdinand Berthoud was relaunched in 2015 in Fleurier (Switzerland), built on the heritage of 18th-century marine chronometers and on deliberately very limited production aimed at precision, legibility and movement architecture.

Marine chronometry, constant-force and instrument-grade displays

The design blends sculpted cases (octagon with lateral windows or a more classical round profile) with hierarchical indications, while the mechanics are staged around ambitious regulating organs: tourbillon, cylindrical hairspring, constant-force devices. The trio of chain-and-fusee, remontoir d’égalité and deadbeat seconds targets rate stability you can perceive on the wrist without sacrificing daily practicality.

FB families and use-case driven reading

The collection is organized into families defined by architecture and “how you read” time: assertive instrument, classic city watch, or a showcase for the regulating organ. As a navigation aid, start from your preferred reading (minute-forward, second-centric, central display) and then pick the level of technical complexity.

• Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1 — Foundational piece: octagonal case with side windows, chain-and-fusee, tourbillon; marine-chronometer inspiration and generous power reserve.
• Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1R — “Regulator-style” take: central minutes with highlighted seconds (often deadbeat), pared-back indications with an instrumental spirit.
• Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2RE — Round case; remontoir d’égalité with deadbeat seconds, traditional dial (often enamel), a chronometry-steeped city-watch angle.
• Ferdinand Berthoud FB 3SPC — Cylindrical hairspring in focus, dial widely open to the regulating organ; contemporary proposition centered on rate regularity.

Limited series, selective distribution and collectors

Production is highly restricted and numbered, delivered through direct relationships and a few specialized partners in Europe, North America and Asia, with centralized after-sales support. The intended audience comprises collectors who value demonstrative precision, historical authenticity and museum-grade finishing.

Conclusion

Ferdinand Berthoud appeals to enthusiasts of independent watchmaking who want author-driven pieces where technique shapes form and legibility. Recognizable through sculpted cases and constant-force mechanisms, the brand offers rare watches translating marine-chronometer heritage into contemporary wear. To choose, balance instrumental presence (octagon), more classical roundness (2RE) and a focus on the regulating organ (3SPC). To validate your decision, weigh your criteria against Dialicious customer reviews.

(Updated August 2025)