Manufacture
MTF reports on the official inauguration of 'La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD' in Fleurier and the 7th L.U.CEUM Meeting, which honored the legacy of the Royal watchmaker. The event, held on November 25, 2015, marked a significant moment for the new Manufacture, established by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele to create exceptional timepieces.
Although the global launch of the new Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometer FB 1 was held in Paris on 22 September 2015, the official inauguration of 'La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD' in Fleurier was delayed until 25th November 2015 for sentimental reasons.
On that date, Chopard organized a conference on the theme 'Ferdinand Berthoud, Chronometrier of the Explorers' for the 7th presentation in the series «Les Rencontres du L.U.CEUM» . Horology expert, Arnaud Tellier, introduced the unique heritage of the Royal watchmaker. This was preceded by the Opening Ceremony at the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD workshop by Jean-Nathanaël Karakash, State Counsellor for Economy for Canton de Neuchâtel.
This is a summary of the Tellier Lecture as well as photographs of the new Haute Horlogerie workshop.
From left to right : Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, president of the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD, Christine Scheufele and Jean-Nathanaël Karakash, State Counsellor for Economy
Opening Ceremony
On November 25th 1768, the Count of Fleurier, explorer and hydrographer, set out on a maritime expedition aboard the frigate 'ISIS', commissioned by King Louis XV. His mission was to test the Ferdinand Berthoud marine clocks Nos. 6 and 8 on a voyage from Rochefort to Santo Domingo and back.
November 25th 2015 saw the official inauguration of the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD. The new Manufacture, created at the instigation of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, intends to pay tribute to this exceptional heritage by offering exceptional timepieces worthy of Ferdinand Berthoud’s horological genius.
The Chronométrie workshop is located in a delightfully wooded area facing the “Chapeau de Napoléon”, a hill perched above the village of Fleurier and nicknamed after its evocative shape reminiscent of the Emperor’s two-cornered hat. Its privileged location in this tranquil setting instils a sense of peace and serenity provides a perfect working environment for the watchmakers in the exercise of their craft.
The evening continued at Chopard Forum with the 'Rencontres du L.U.CEUM' and a lecture by watchmaking expert Arnaud Tellier, who gave a fascinating presentation on the exceptional heritage of the 19th century master watchmaker. The enthusiasm shown for this initiative that revives a proud history augurs well for a promising future in which passion is dedicated to the service of the watchmaking art.
Located within of Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, the L.U.CEUM invites visitors to study the traces of time. This museum highlights the centerpieces of global watchmaking since the dawn of Time. Retracing five centuries of history, the collection is divided into twelve themes; one of them is dedicated to the Berthoud dynasty.
Opened in 2006 for the tenth anniversary of Chopard Manufacture, the L.U.CEUM is the fulfilment of a long time dream. The name "L.U.CEUM" is a neologism, inspired from "L.U.C" (Louis-Ulysse Chopard) and the latin word "lyceum", place of learning. In the L.U.CEUM, watchmakers of today studying the masterpieces of yesterday, to create movements and high-quality watches. This place full of history helps friends and customers of Chopard to immerse themselves in the history of watchmaking and place their L.U.C models in historical context.
PuristS visited L.U.CEUM many times since 2009.
The L.U.CEUM Meeting
The L.U.CEUM meetings are hosted every year by Chopard to reflect and exchange ideas about watchmaking.
At the invitation of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of CHOPARD and president of La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD, Arnaud Tellier introduced the heritage of this illustrious watchmaker and the Berthoud dynasty.
PuristS may remember Mr Tellier from our visit to the Patek Philippe Museum and Manufacture in 2003.
Arnaud Tellier is a renown personality of the watchmaking world. Recognized watchmaker and leading expert of art, he brings his expertise to auction houses and collectors from around the world.
After leaving Antiquorum, he led the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva from 2000 to 2011. Since November 2011, he has led Tellier Fine Arts: an art valuation consulting agency that opened Gallery Arnaud Tellier in 2012.
Ferdinand Berthoud, Chronometrier: Re-booted.
Tenacious experimenter, clever constructor, and daring inventor concerned about disseminating knowledge, Ferdinand Berthoud helped develop watchmaking and promoted the use of precision clocks by the Sciences of his time; thus contributing to their progress. Born in 1727 in Plancemont-sur-Couvet of the Val-de-Travers, Ferdinand Berthoud was entitled as master watchmaker in Paris in 1753. His place in history was assured thanks to his Marine Timepieces, which were capable of measuring longitude to within less than half a degree. The accuracy of the chronometers designed by Ferdinand Berthoud enabled France to challenge the maritime supremacy of England, and led to their creator receiving the coveted warrant of "Watchmaker-Mechanic to the King and to the Navy" in 1770.
It is to pay homage to this master watchmaker Karl-Friedrich Scheufele wished to be the architect of the revival of the name of Ferdinand Berthoud. La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD only offers exceptional timepieces in a very exclusive production. The Chopard Group thus sets a new milestone in its watch development and further strengthens its presence in Fleurier, in the Val-de-Travers where the new workshop is located.
As a tribute to the genius of Ferdinand Berthoud, the new FERDINAND BERTHOUD FB 1 timepiece embodies a modern vision of the creations that may be realised by the master if he lived in our time. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele wanted continuity of the work of a master chronometrier; a contemporary approach guided by the same spirit of innovation while inspired by his marine chronometers.
Like it or Not, the exploration adventure continues...............
Regards,
MTF
It is a place I have to visit one day! Thanks. Fx
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