Ferdinand Berthoud Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1: A New Monochromatic Look, Expressed In A Classical Style
A rose gold edition of the award-winning FB 3SPC, now rendered in a warm, almost monochromatic palette.
The Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1 is the latest interpretation of Ferdinand Berthoud’s celebrated wrist chronometer. Unveiled to mark the opening of Art in Time Tokyo, it combines an 18K 5N rose gold case with a nickel silver movement, creating a restrained and classical look that feels both warm and technically refined.
When the Chronomètre FB 3SPC was introduced in 2022, it stood out for an unprecedented combination of a variable-inertia balance, cylindrical balance spring and COSC chronometer certification. That technical virtuosity was quickly recognised by collectors and experts alike, culminating in the Chronometry Prize at the GPHG 2023.
A More Classical Expression
The new FB 3SPC.2-1 keeps the same chronometric foundation while shifting the visual language toward something softer and more monochromatic. The rose gold case is paired with a sandblasted nickel silver movement and a beige-varnished inner bezel ring, creating a subtle tonal harmony across the dial side.
Rather than relying on high contrast, the watch uses closely related shades to emphasize texture, finish and proportion. The result is a composition that feels classical, measured and quietly luxurious.
The case measures 42.3 mm in diameter and 9.43 mm in thickness, with a domed sapphire crystal, exhibition caseback and a transparent sapphire “porthole” at 9 o’clock. This side opening offers a view of the cylindrical balance spring, one of the defining technical signatures of the model.
Chronometry As The Core Identity
At the heart of the Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1 lies the in-house calibre FB-SPC, a hand-wound movement developed around chronometric performance. It uses a cylindrical balance spring with two hand-formed terminal curves, a specially designed collet and a variable-inertia balance, all contributing to COSC chronometer certification.
The movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, contains 230 components and 47 jewels, and offers a 72-hour power reserve. A stop-seconds mechanism is activated by the crown, reinforcing the precision-focused character of the watch.
Unlike mass-submitted chronometer movements, each Ferdinand Berthoud watch is individually crafted, assembled and regulated. That approach makes certification more demanding, but it also reflects the maison’s commitment to traditional watchmaking standards and long-term mechanical integrity.
Dial And Hands
Through the dial, the hours and minutes are indicated by faceted, skeletonised open-tipped hands in blue CVD-treated 18K gold. Their polished surfaces provide the main visual contrast against the beige and nickel silver tones of the rest of the watch.
The seconds hand and power-reserve indicator introduce further touches of blue, along with several visible screws. These details punctuate the otherwise monochromatic composition without disturbing its overall calm.
The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock is rendered in velvet-finished beige brass, with black-varnished engraved numerals. The same material and finish appear on the peripheral inner bezel ring, strengthening the visual continuity across the front of the watch.
Case, Construction And Wearing Experience
The round case is made from ethical 18K 5N rose gold and includes a large 8.5 mm crown, which is both visually distinctive and practical in use. The exhibition back is also made in rose gold and fitted with a glareproof sapphire crystal pane.
A 30-metre water-resistance rating makes the watch suitable for everyday wear, even though its real focus remains on precision, finishing and horological architecture. The alligator leather strap is paired with an 18K rose gold pin buckle, while a folding clasp with security fastening and adjustable blade is available on request.
The FB 3SPC.2-1 is a non-limited edition and joins the existing white gold version, FB 3SPC.1, as part of the wider FB 3SPC collection. Price is available on request.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1 |
| Reference | FB 3SPC.2-1 |
| Case | Ethical 18K 5N rose gold |
| Diameter | 42.3 mm |
| Thickness | 9.43 mm |
| Crown | 8.5 mm rose gold crown |
| Caseback | Exhibition back in ethical 18K rose gold with glareproof sapphire crystal |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire crystal, glareproofed on both sides |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Dial | Openworked structure; peripheral inner bezel ring and small seconds subdial in velvet-finished beige brass |
| Movement | Calibre FB-SPC, hand-wound |
| Diameter (movement) | 34 mm |
| Thickness (movement) | 6.84 mm |
| Jewels | 47 |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Components | 230 |
| Bridges | 16 |
| Functions | Central hours and minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock, power reserve at 2 o’clock |
| Hands | Skeletonised, open-tipped hours and minutes hands in blue CVD-treated 18K gold; seconds and power reserve hands in blue CVD-treated 18K gold |
| Strap | Blue alligator leather strap |
| Buckle | 18K rose gold pin buckle; folding clasp available on request |
| Certification | COSC chronometer-certified |
| Availability | Non-limited edition |
| Price | On request |
Conclusion
With the Chronomètre FB 3SPC.2-1, Ferdinand Berthoud shows how a technically remarkable chronometer can adopt a warmer and more classical visual identity without losing any of its precision-driven character. The rose gold case, nickel silver movement and beige accents create a composition that feels measured, elegant and deeply rooted in traditional watchmaking.
For more information, please visit the official Ferdinand Berthoud website.
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