Comments:
Which would you choose between the two?
Ferdinand Berthoud FB 2RE
FB just released this new model. A more traditional round case shape, but still the same size as the previous models at 44mm wide and 14mm thick. The dial is enamel. Something very odd, there are two constant force devices here, a fusee and chain paired with a remontoire. According to Monochrome, the remontoire helps clean up some remaining small variations in the torque after the fusee and chain does most of the job. The movement and finishing look amazing as expected. The price is still ~$200K.
I think it's an interesting offering, but I'm quite surprised that it's not more differentiated from the rest of the FB collection considering the new case and movement. Similar price, case size, and complication level with the same fusee and chain system from before. If I was going to go with a FB, I'd still choose the 1L or 1R over this once since I love the scientific instrument vibe those ones both have, and the original tourbillon movement looks a little better IMO. Regardless, a very beautiful and interesting new offering from FB!
Photos from Monochrome
Photos from Monochrome
That's a very nice watch
I am more attracted to the black dial but that's a gorgeous back too. 👍
Very interesting offering but the price is nonsensical.
I have to read more but this looks like a simple remontoire. Would have been a great opportunity to remove the tourbillion and move to a more reasonable price level.
My thoughts as well.
I think they should have at least removed the fusee+chain and sized down the case drastically, then price somewhere between 50k-100k depending on what's inside.
Well, there is the novelty factor.
Two torque stabilizing solutions in one watch. Does it make sense? I am not sure.
The fusee helps increase power reserve because you can utilize the initial supply. Like managing the surge in wind power. With modern springs nothing much going on in the middle. And when energy is low the remontoire gives up. As Journe calibers clearly demonstrates. Or indicated by the low power reserve of many other remontoire watches.
But regardless, you are absolutely right that it is a missed opportunity.
The fusee helps increase power reserve because you can utilize the initial supply. Like managing the surge in wind power. With modern springs nothing much going on in the middle. And when energy is low the remontoire gives up. As Journe calibers clearly demonstrates. Or indicated by the low power reserve of many other remontoire watches.
But regardless, you are absolutely right that it is a missed opportunity.
I really love the FB look...
...cases, hands, movements...
And I might be able to afford one, but PLEASE make them smaller. I could pull off a big watch but I don't want to. 40mm or less and 12mm or less please, then we can talk : )
Another interesting watch that's pretty comparable against the FBs is the new Claret Angelico:
Which would you choose between the two?
I like to see hands : )
...and for some reason I really like the FB cases, especially the eight-sided ones. I can excuse the size to a certain extent if the case material is light (titanium, carbon fiber, etc.) but in gold of platinum these large watches must be very heavy.
The Claret looks so awesome.
But sadly, it's even larger than the FB. Almost certainly unwearable for everyone without huge arms.
I’m a huge fan of chronometry and high level finishing
To me, this provides both but with a stealth factor that’s missing in Greubel Forsey and upper echelon Journe.
Agreed!
A big plus that FB's watches look interesting, but don't call so much attention to themselves that I'd be afraid to wear one in public.
Thanks for sharing this new Ferdinand Berthoud here. I see the raison d'être here, but I still wonder if it really the best solution to get a top chronometer.
I remember a discussion I had with some of the JLC watchmakers, and they told me that it was all about fine setting of the balance wheel. For example, in 2009, at the Chronometry contest, JLC trusted the first two places.
The Master Tourbillon won, and the Reverso Gyrotourbillon 2 was a close second. Yes, the simple tourbillon won!
Food for thought.
Still, intellectually, a great watch, this Berhoud.
Nicolas
Usually, I'm not a huge fan of chronometry complications
They often don't work as intended. Very cool that JLC's tourbillons actually provide an advantage!
I am not in love with the watch but I respect the way FB develops their line
I agree and would love to see a simpler/cheaper FB but I enjoy that they are developing more passion oriented rather than business oriented which is rare these days. Imagine if they trickle down some of FB's tech/finishing know-how to Chopard, that would be best of both worlds 😋
A massive watch at a massive price, but....
pretty cool nonetheless. Not the kind of watch most could purchase or wear, but with so few being produced, it was always going to be something most of us would enjoy in pictures.
Darren
What can I say... It's exquisite!
The people at FB and Chopard really know how to make watches!
I also prefer their more technical dials, but ...
I think the brand would be much more impressive if they could also make an interesting watch at 1/10 of the price. I'm not saying there is no place for going all-out technically, but I'm sure Picasso could make compelling artwork with just a pencil and a small piece of paper. I think Ferdinand Berthoud could do it, too. They have an interesting style that need not be limited to these heights. JLC does it with the Reverso and Master lines -- if you like the style, you can find as much watch as you want.
It wouldn't surprise me if they decided to make something simpler in the future.
A number of independents such as Laurent Ferrier, Gronefeld, and Cristophe Claret started with more complicated pieces and later released less expensive time-only watches. That being said, I'd doubt they would go under 50k for a simple watch assuming the same level of finishing.
I have been waiting forever for them to make a simple watch at under $70k let's say...
...keep it at a reasonable size with some dial variations and it would be really tempting.
I don't believe so
There are at least a few I know with fusee and chain + tourbillon though.