Chopard Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2T & FB 3 Overview

DarrenKats · 2023-09-20T18:23:31Z

Explore Ferdinand Berthoud's FB 2T and FB 3 with DarrenKats's factory tour insights. Discover the craftsmanship, movements, and collector perspectives on these haute horlogerie timepieces.

DarrenKats

WPS member · Chopard forum

24 replies4209 views5 photos

DarrenKats's firsthand account of touring the Ferdinand Berthoud workshop offers a rare glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind some of horology's most revered timepieces. His observations highlight not only the brand's commitment to traditional techniques but also the passion of the artisans. This article delves into his impressions of the FB 2T and FB 3, contextualizing their significance within the high-watchmaking landscape.

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Had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Chopard factories including the Ferdinand Berthoud workshop in Fleurier. The extremely high level of finishing has been well documented, and it was a pleasure to see the artisans at work and the tools they use. Hardly a machine in sight! Also noteworthy to me was the enthusiasm and friendliness of all the watchmakers. Everyone stopped what they were doing and happily explained and demonstrated the techniques they were using.

As for the watches, we were able to see the new FB 2T and the FB 3.

The FB 2T contains the incredible tourbillon movement with fusee and chain now in a round case. It's a large watch but with the round case is much more wearable compared to the FB 1 and its octagonal case.

The FB 3 is simpler and even more wearable. But not simple with the cylindrical spring and all those beautiful bridges.

Nicolas has more details and excellent photos in his review here www.watchprosite.com /

Key Points from the Discussion

The integration of exotic constant force techniques into more wearable, smaller cases is a key desire for collectors, ideally with the intricate mechanisms displayed on the caseback rather than the dial.
Ferdinand Berthoud watches offer a competitive value proposition at their MSRP compared to brands like Greubel Forsey and De Bethune, with a high ratio of finishing complexity to price.
The brand's strategy of numbering watches by movement rather than releasing numerous limited edition variants is appreciated for maintaining exclusivity and clarity in its catalog.
Ferdinand Berthoud is considered by some collectors to be at the pinnacle of independent watchmaking, surpassing brands like Greubel Forsey, F.P. Journe, and De Bethune in terms of chronometry-focused technology and impeccable finishing.
The brand's connection to Chopard's L.U.C manufacture underscores the high level of horological capability within the broader 'house'.

The Discussion

Lankysudanese

Sep 20, 2023

As for the brand, they are top of the food chain IMHO. Above GF and certainly above FP Journe and Debethune. Amazing chronometry-focused tech and impeccable finishing. Sadly, they’ll remain affordable only to a few

MichaelC

Sep 20, 2023

We are at the top of the watchmaking mountain here.

Dominicl Lion

Sep 20, 2023

Indeed a piece of master work….

TeutonicCarFan

Sep 20, 2023

These are some of the top watches ... period. Maybe a bit bug, but this is all dream land for me anyways 😁

mdg

Sep 21, 2023

...but I really should try to do so.

Mike H

Sep 21, 2023

Lucky you that you could make this visit 👍👌👌

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Chopard Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2T & FB 3 Overview

Key Points from the Discussion

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