In 2015, on the initiative of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, located in the Val-de-Travers (Switzerland), marked the rebirth of one of the greatest names in watchmaking: Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807).
The first FB 1 collection unveiled on this occasion stemmed from meticulous research and development undertaken four years earlier, in 2011, amid the uttermost secrecy. The aim was to provide a contemporary horological expression of the quest for precision initiated by Ferdinand Berthoud.
In 2025, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud celebrates its tenth anniversary and remains more than ever guided by the pursuit of authenticity, fully respecting the work of the eponymous watchmaker. This is an opportunity for its President, Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, to look back on the progress accomplished by responding to ten questions.
1. Which aspect of the master horologist’s work guides the development of each of the collections?
Definitely chronometry. Ferdinand Berthoud devoted his life to creating increasingly accurate marine chronometers to accompany the landmark maritime expeditions that shaped the 18th century. The master-watchmaker constantly improved his escapements, suspensions, materials and displays to achieve tolerances that were absolutely extraordinary for the time. The most convincing example is doubtless the Marine Clock No. 8 (kept at the CNAM in Paris) which, after 12 months at sea, was only 1.35 minutes off compared with the time at its departure. This personal trajectory has guided all the developments that we are now making in his name.
2. How is this reflected in your collections?
Through a concept that is ultimately quite simple: each movement corresponds to a different approach to timekeeping. Each of our calibres features distinct technical choices, yet all are governed by the same objective: to improve precision. We have studied the mechanisms favoured by Ferdinand Berthoud himself – such as fusee-and-chain transmission, the remontoir d’égalité and the cylindrical balance-spring – in order to create contemporary wristwatches. Every movement that leaves our workshops must be COSC-certified, with the results obtained exceeding the criteria imposed by this independent organisation.
3. Which awards have made the greatest impression on you?
Those we have received at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud has won five prizes in the five editions of the GPHG in which it has participated. These awards include the “Aiguille d’Or” Grand Prix – the best-in-show distinction received in our very first year of existence – but also and above all, the three Chronometry prizes among these five trophies. These awards make Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud unique in the history of the GPHG.
4. Why did you choose to set up the company in Fleurier?
Ferdinand Berthoud was born in Val-de-Travers and so was the Chronométrie that bears his name: the former in Plancemont sur Couvet and latter in Fleurier. There are less than five kilometres between these two places and the house where Ferdinand Berthoud was born is in fact still standing. The timepieces crafted in our workshops are engraved with the words ‘Val-de-Travers Suisse’, a designation of origin, as it were. I am personally involved in viticulture and therefore view this respect for the correct designations, steeped in history, as essential. It is thus about respect for terroir, because Ferdinand Berthoud would certainly not have had the same life if he had been born elsewhere.
5. How important is the heritage and history of Ferdinand Berthoud to you?
At the Manufacture in Fleurier, we have a private museum – the L.U.CEUM – as well as a museum space exclusively dedicated to the creations of Ferdinand Berthoud. Our collections have been patiently built up over time. Some of these historical objects have been restored using 18th-century methods and are all in working order, which is quite rare for a museum. It is important to point this out because as well as being a source of inspiration for our own creations, these measuring instruments are also a heritage to be preserved, like true witnesses to the work and genius of the master watchmaker.
6. Which do you see as the most important historical timepiece?
Ferdinand Berthoud’s contemporary chronometers stem from an approach based on their historical coherence. In this respect, the Astronomical Pocket Watch No. 3 (Ferdinand Berthoud, Paris, 1806) has particular value from our standpoint. In addition to being the first time-measuring instrument signed by Ferdinand Berthoud to have joined the L.U.C.EUM in 2005, it was also the original inspiration for the first FB 1 collections. It was thanks to this model that we chose to develop a movement with fusee-and-chain transmission and adopted the idea of an hours and minutes counter positioned at 12 o’clock along with a long central seconds hand.
7. How have the workshops evolved over the past decade?
When it was founded, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud had just three artisans. Today, there are more than 20, and just over 300 watches have been delivered in ten years. Demand currently far exceeds supply, but we are perhaps the only ones to inform our customers of the number of calibres produced for each reference. We therefore do not take any orders above this threshold, which also helps limit the ‘waiting list’ effect.
8. What about collectors’ perceptions over the same period?
The first FB 1 collections were deliberately presented in 2015 with an octagonal case, which is highly distinctive. As with any breakthrough creation, we noticed a divide between supporters and opponents of this design. While some collectors struggled to embrace it, change always requires a certain amount of time to adapt and it is amusing to note that purists today prefer the style of the original cases – the ones that helped shape the image of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. We now manufacture both round and octagonal cases depending on the collection and these two distinct shapes coexist very well. We have no plans to abandon one in favour of the other.
9. How can your collectors appreciate the level of finishing applied to your creations?
Each finished watch is examined under 6.7x magnification, a choice that goes far beyond conventional watchmaking standards. We have never made any concessions and collectors appreciate this ongoing commitment that allows us to offer them impeccable service. We also always encourage them to come and visit our workshops and discover what goes on behind the scenes in the making of their timepieces. They can thus appreciate the entire creative process and better understand why each movement requires several hundred hours of manual decoration.
10. 2025 is an anniversary year for Chronométrie Berthoud: what can we expect?
While we have various activities planned throughout the year, the most eagerly awaited revelation is undoubtedly the culmination of the “Naissance d’une Montre 3” project. This initiative aims to bring together the talents of yesterday and today, to assemble their notes and sketches, to unite their knowledge in pursuit of a common goal: not merely the entirely hand-crafted timepiece, but in fact the safeguarding of the expertise that brings it to life. The project will be the culmination of our first ten years of learning, innovation and transmission. It is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
