Press Release: Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD.

Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD

The new era of Ferdinand Berthoud, chronometer-maker.

As the first step of its renewal, Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD presents an exclusive timepiece inspired by the remarkable marine clocks developed by the founder of this House. Born in 1727 in the Val-de-Travers - Switzerland, Ferdinand Berthoud was granted the title of “Master  Clockmaker” in Paris in 1753. This exceptional horologist and tireless researcher who served as “Horloger-Mécanicien du Roi et de la Marine” - Horologist-Mechanic by appointment to the King and the Navy - left behind him an exceptionally broad body of work, notably in the field of marine chronometers. 

It was in tribute to this master horologist that Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co president of Chopard and President of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD, wished to orchestrate the revival of the illustrious name of Ferdinand Berthoud. Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD will offer only exceptional timepieces issued in extremely limited production numbers. Chopard Group is thereby laying a new milestone in its watchmaking development and further reinforcing its presence in Fleurier, in the Val-de-Travers region of Canton Neuchâtel - Switzerland, where the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD company is established.

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele: orchestrating the revival of a legend. 
Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD was born of the initiative of Chopard’s co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, who acquired the name in 2006. This move was driven by a determination to give a new lease on life to an impressive heritage, by launching a creative new brand of exceptional timepieces crafted in highly limited series in tribute to the master horologist and thus restoring his name to its former glory. 

Passionately interested in culture and history, Karl-Friedrich has long admired the exemplary creations and the career of Ferdinand Berthoud, born in 1727 in Plancemont-sur-Couvet, 5 kilometres from Fleurier. He has assembled an exceptional collection of timepieces exhibited at the L.U.CEUM in Fleurier. His fascination has steadily grown in discovering the fabulous legacy of this brilliant artisan – whether in the domain of marine chronometers, pocket watches or regulators. 

This keen enthusiasm shines through in his comments: “His life and work are absolutely unique and his destiny truly remarkable. A shrewd diplomat, he made his way from the Age of Enlightenment to the French Empire period, while surviving the French Revolution. Acknowledged and respected for his creations, Ferdinand Berthoud was also an exceptional horological theoretician and the author of a number of reference works. But the most important aspect of all is undoubtedly his visionary spirit, since a large proportion of his works remain as timely and relevant as ever.” Officially announced at the end of 2013, the development of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD has taken root in Fleurier and is now being materialised in an extremely sophisticated creation.

A contemporary expression for an emblematic name in watchmaking.

With the birth of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD, the Chopard Group is laying a new milestone in the development of its watchmaking division and further consolidating its presence in Fleurier in the Val-de-Travers, a region of Canton Neuchâtel steeped in an age-old horological tradition. It is doubtless no mere historical coincidence that Ferdinand Berthoud was born a few kilometres from Fleurier, which is already home to Chopard Manufacture, which handles the production of L.U.C Haute Horlogerie movements; Fleurier Ebauches SA, which produces Chopard’s mechanical movements; as well as the L.U.CEUM, which harbours some of the most admirable examples of the watchmaking art. Long months of intense creative reflection, guided by stringent development requirements on both technical and aesthetic levels, have given rise to the first contemporary Ferdinand Berthoud timepiece which is intended as a natural continuation of the work accomplished by three generations of master-watchmakers: Ferdinand, Pierre-Louis and Charles-Auguste Berthoud. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele explains the spirit that guided the development of this new watch: “We have sought to transpose what Ferdinand Berthoud might have created if he was living now. The contemporary translation of his genius consists in drawing inspiration from the master-horologist’s most remarkable accomplishments in order to offer modern creations bearing reinterpreted distinctive features and evoking emblematic historical constructions.” The President of Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD goes on to emphasise: “We have a major responsibility in bringing the legendary Ferdinand Berthoud back to the forefront of the watchmaking scene. Our goal is not to develop nostalgic commemorative models, but instead to offer contemporary watches that will prove worthy of the great name they bear and of the excellence that is legitimately inspires.”

The Ferdinand Berthoud signature - a lifelong quest for precision.

Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD evokes an illustrious name, that of a watchmaker, and an exceptional researcher who left an indelible imprint on watchmaking history through his inventiveness and his remarkable mechanical talents. It is also a story punctuated by inventions, technical challenges and constant progress in the realm of time measurement. At the forefront of these major advancements are the marine chronometers introduced by Ferdinand Berthoud. They made it possible to calculate longitude with extreme precision and thereby contributed to the conquest of the oceans in the 18th century. It is from this substantial legacy that Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD derives the DNA of its new timepieces. These contemporary yet timeless watches bear the signature characteristics embodying the excellence and the renown of the Berthoud dynasty.

Dedicated and entirely independent development.
While the Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD is part of the Chopard Group, the development, design and production of Ferdinand Berthoud watches stem from a separate, autonomous and dedicated creative process. To guarantee this exclusivity and this independence, specific watchmakers have been hired in order to develop the original calibres and exteriors of these incomparable timepieces. For the time being, the highly qualified watchmakers devoted to assembling the first watches by Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD ply their trade in dedicated premises provided for them in Fleurier. While fully autonomous in its horological development, Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD will naturally benefit from the stature and expertise of the group. This inherently exclusive firm will create exceptional timepieces in limited series, distributed through an equally exclusive, international and independent network of points of sales specialised in high-end, complex watch products.