Watchatlas

Ferdinand Berthoud

Fleurier, Switzerland · Est. 2015

Founded by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele

Ferdinand Berthoud is a brand revived by Chopard in 2015, honouring the 18th-century French-Swiss master horologist who made major contributions to marine chronometry. The brand produces extremely limited and technically ambitious timepieces inspired by Berthoud's original precision instruments.

Founded
2015
Headquarters
Fleurier, Switzerland
Group
Independent
Price Segment
Ultra
Status
Revived

Key Collections

  • Chronomètre FB 1 (2015) — Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 1 is the maison's debut modern chronometer family, pairing an octagonal case with a tourbillon, constant force and fusee-and-chain architecture inspired by historical marine chronometers. Key references: FB 1.1, FB 1.2, FB 1R.6-1.
  • Chronomètre FB 2RE (2020) — Chronomètre FB 2RE is Ferdinand Berthoud's second modern collection, moving the maison into a round case with central hours, minutes and deadbeat seconds while retaining fusee-and-chain constant force with a one-second remontoir d'egalite. Key references: FB 2RE.1, FB 2RE.2.
  • Chronomètre FB 1L (2019) — Chronomètre FB 1L extends Ferdinand Berthoud's fusee-and-chain tourbillon platform into an astronomical moon display, adding a patented moon-age indication and a separate waxing-or-waning display. Key references: FB 1L.1, FB 1L.4.

Timeline

  • 1727 — The original Ferdinand Berthoud is born in Plancemont, Neuchâtel, going on to become one of the greatest horologists and marine chronometer makers of the 18th century.
  • 1753 — Ferdinand Berthoud becomes a master watchmaker in Paris, beginning decades of pioneering work on marine chronometers.
  • 2015 — Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (co-president of Chopard) revives the Ferdinand Berthoud name as an independent haute horlogerie brand.
  • 2016 — Launches the Chronomètre FB 1, winning the Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
  • 2025 — Won Revolution Awards 2025 Watch of the Year for the Naissance d'une Montre 3, cementing the brand's status in haute horlogerie.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ferdinand Berthoud

What is the connection to Chopard?
The modern Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud was founded by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, as a separate entity dedicated to reviving the legacy of the 18th-century master horologist.
Who was the original Ferdinand Berthoud?
Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) was a Swiss-French horologist and scientist who served as Horologist-Mechanic to the King and the Navy, renowned for his pioneering marine chronometers.

Visit Website ↗Instagram ↗

Other independent Switzerland watch brands

enfrdeiteshizhjaar