Constant force via a fusee-and-chain transmission system, bimetallic balance, central seconds hand, open structure: its technical and aesthetic characteristics are deeply rooted in the heritage of the Master Watchmaker, Ferdinand Berthoud.
As expected, the 11 “Naissance d'une Montre 3” chronometers meet the same quality and finishing criteria as any other contemporary timepieces from Chronométrie Ferdinand Berthoud. They offer vivid proof that what truly counts is the journey rather than the destination – and that this journey is shaped by the passing of time, the “temps qui instruit” [Dedicated to time, the great teacher] in the words of Louis Berthoud, Ferdinand Berthoud’s nephew.
Coinciding with the tenth anniversar y of Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud, the presentation of Naissance d'une Montre 3 is the outcome of an ambitious dream nur tured by its founder and President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. This outstanding cross-disciplinar y project drew on the exper tise of more than 80 ar tisans and specialists from Chronométrie Ferdinand Ber thoud and Chopard to create a contemporar y watch, entirely handcrafted and inspired by Ferdinand Ber thoud's Astronomical Pocket Watch No. 3.
The result is a series of 11 contemporar y timepieces, powered by a unique combination of a split bimetallic temperature-compensated Guillaume-type balance wheel and a constant-force fusee-and-chain transmission system. Entirely visible from the dial side, this movement is housed a new 44 mm-diameter 18-carat gold case, especially conceived on this occasion.
A great deal of patience and time were devoted to bringing this piece of horological art to life. The creation of a dedicated workshop regrouping vintage machine tools and run by a passionate team of micro-mechanical engineers made it possible to produce the raw components without compromising on precision criteria and quality standards.
In accordance with the regulations governing the Time Æon Foundation, each component of Naissance d'une Montre 3 has been individually crafted without digital assistance, entirely by hand or using traditional tools guided by the human eye, hand and mind.
After 11,000 hours of work and six years of dedication, the first result of this extraordinar y project is now visible. Produced exclusively for Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo in Geneva, this one-of-a-kind stainless steel creation will be auctioned in November 2025. Par t of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to a charity dedicated to preser ving and passing on watchmaking exper tise to future generations.
