Ferdinand Berthoud: history, models and value

Founded

2015 (company acquired 2006)

Founder(s)

Karl-Friedrich Scheufele

Headquarters

Fleurier

Owner / group

Chopard Group (Scheufele family)

Ferdinand Berthoud: origins and founding

The name goes back to a real watchmaker. Ferdinand Berthoud was born on 18 March 1727 in Plancemont, in the Val-de-Travers in the Principality of Neuchâtel. He trained with his brother in Couvet and moved to Paris in 1745. He became a master watchmaker there in 1753 and later held the title of horologist-mechanic to the King and the Navy.

Today's brand is a different thing: Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud SA, a modern company in Fleurier. Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, co-president of Chopard, acquired it in 2006. The first watch was presented in September 2015 at the Yacht Club de France in Paris.

Founders and family

Berthoud himself built marine chronometers to find a ship's longitude at sea. His sea clocks Nos. 6 and 8 were tested on a voyage to Santo Domingo in 1768–69. He wrote several books on clockmaking, was elected to the Royal Society in London in 1764 and was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1804. He died in Groslay near Paris in 1807. The modern brand is run by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele as part of the Chopard Group.

Ferdinand Berthoud history and milestones

• 2006: Karl-Friedrich Scheufele acquires La Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud.
• 2015: launch of the Chronomètre FB 1, made in two series of 50 pieces.
• 2016: the FB 1 wins the Aiguille d'Or, the main prize of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).
• 2020: the FB 2RE wins the GPHG chronometry prize.
• 2022: launch of the FB 3SPC, the brand's most accessible model.

Famous Ferdinand Berthoud models

The range is small. The FB 1 has a 44 mm octagonal case with porthole-like side windows. Later versions include the FB 1L and the FB 2RE and FB 2RSM. The FB 3SPC (42.3 mm, white or rose gold) is simpler and has no tourbillon.

Movements and technique

The movements are developed and made in-house in Fleurier. The FB 1's calibre FB-T.FC combines a tourbillon with central seconds and a fusee-and-chain transmission, an old marine-chronometer solution for even power delivery. The FB 3SPC's hand-wound calibre FB-SPC runs at 21,600 vph with about three days of power reserve. Chronometer certification by COSC is standard for the brand's watches.

Ferdinand Berthoud today

Ferdinand Berthoud is a haute horlogerie brand within the Chopard Group, based in Fleurier. Production is very limited and the watches are made in gold or other precious materials. It sits well above Chopard's own collections in price.

Ferdinand Berthoud prices on the pre-owned market

Because so few pieces exist, these watches rarely come up for sale. Value depends heavily on the exact model, the case material, the limited-series number and whether the full box, papers and COSC certificate are present. Prize-winning references such as the FB 1 draw the most collector interest. Expect a small, specialist market rather than quick resale.

How to recognise a genuine Ferdinand Berthoud

Genuine pieces are rare, limited and come with documentation. Check that the movement matches the model (fusee and chain on the FB 1 and FB 2 series), that the limited-edition number appears on the watch and on the papers, and that a COSC certificate is included. For general checks, read our guide on how to spot a fake watch.

What is your Ferdinand Berthoud worth?

Send a few clear photos of the dial, case, caseback and papers for a free watch value estimate. If you need a documented value for insurance or an estate, we also offer a written watch appraisal.

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