Ten years ago, the name Ferdinand Berthoud—one of horology’s most revered figures—was brought back to life with the founding of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, a Manufacture rooted in the Val-de-Travers and guided by the vision of Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. Since 2015, the Maison has steadily built a reputation not only for exceptional craftsmanship but also for its unwavering commitment to the science of chronometry. In 2025, as it celebrates its 10th anniversary, the Manufacture takes a thoughtful pause to reflect on its first decade while continuing to look firmly ahead.
At the heart of the brand’s philosophy is its namesake’s original pursuit: precision. Ferdinand Berthoud, born in 1727, dedicated his life to creating marine chronometers for navigational accuracy during the great maritime expeditions of the 18th century. This passion for absolute reliability in timekeeping remains the central pillar of the modern Manufacture. From the very first FB 1 collection—launched after four years of development in utmost secrecy—to the latest calibres, the through-line is clear: technical decisions must serve the goal of precision.
Each movement created at Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud is distinct, yet shares this singular mission. Whether through the use of fusee-and-chain transmission, the remontoir d’égalité, or cylindrical balance springs, the Maison mines historical methods to create modern expressions of mechanical timekeeping. Every calibre is COSC-certified, with performance results that go well beyond minimum requirements.
Recognition has followed. The brand’s success at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) is particularly telling: five awards in five years of participation, including three Chronometry prizes and the prestigious “Aiguille d’Or” in its debut year. This consistency has set Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud apart—not only as a revival brand with historical credibility but as an active contributor to contemporary horology.
Fittingly, the Manufacture is located in Fleurier, just a few kilometers from Berthoud’s birthplace in Plancemont-sur-Couvet. That proximity is more than symbolic. As Scheufele notes, it’s an acknowledgment of terroir—an often-overlooked dimension in watchmaking. Much like viticulture, horology has roots, and respecting those roots strengthens the work that grows from them.
That respect extends into the past as well. The Manufacture maintains a private museum space—the L.U.CEUM—where original Berthoud creations are restored using 18th-century techniques and kept in working condition. Among these, the Astronomical Pocket Watch No. 3 (1806) holds particular significance, serving as the inspiration for the FB 1 collection. Its architectural dial design and long central seconds hand informed key features of the brand’s debut timepieces.
The decade-long journey from concept to respected marque has not been rushed. With only a few hundred watches delivered since 2015, Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud remains highly exclusive, with demand far exceeding output. Yet unlike many in the industry, the Manufacture maintains transparency—publishing the number of movements made per reference and never exceeding those limits.
This thoughtful pace has earned the loyalty of collectors, even as opinions on design have evolved. The bold octagonal case of the FB 1 initially divided audiences. But over time, it has come to define the identity of the brand. Today, both octagonal and round cases coexist within the collection—evidence of the Maison’s ability to honor its roots while embracing diversity in form.
What sets Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud apart is not only its mechanical sophistication but its finishing standards. Every timepiece is inspected under 6.7x magnification, a detail that speaks volumes about the Manufacture’s expectations. Every edge, every surface is decorated by hand, with hundreds of hours spent on manual operations alone. Collectors are encouraged to visit the workshops in person—a rare invitation to understand the process that brings each timepiece to life.
Looking to the year ahead, 2025 is more than just a milestone; it marks a moment of transmission. The long-anticipated culmination of the “Naissance d’une Montre 3” project will be revealed. A collaboration between artisans and historians, the project is less about the final watch than about preserving the knowledge it represents. In a world increasingly automated, the project champions the human hand, the human mind, and the fragile continuity of centuries-old savoir-faire.
As Scheufele reflects on the first ten years of Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud, the emphasis is not on volume, trends, or noise. Instead, it is on values—precision, heritage, and integrity. And as the Manufacture continues into its second decade, it does so not with reinvention, but with continuity. A measured pace, a quiet confidence, and a dedication to time—not just in how it’s kept, but in how it’s respected.
