A new company in the Chopard Group: La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA in Fleurier

Dec 10, 2013,04:46 AM
 

The Chopard Group is laying a new milestone in its watchmaking development and further reinforcing its presence in Fleurier, in the Val-de-Travers, Canton Neuchâtel (Switzerland) by establishing a new company and developing a new brand: La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA.

Through this project that he particularly cherishes, Chopard co-president Karl-Friedrich Scheufele intends to bring back to life the memory of Ferdinand Berthoud and restore this substantial watchmaking legacy to its rightful status. Positioned at the very peak of the collections within the Chopard group, La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD will be dedicated to offering exceptional timepieces in highly exclusive production runs. The result of lengthy and careful consideration, this new horological activity began to take shape seven years ago, as Karl-Friedrich Scheufele explains: “In acquiring La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD in 2006, I wanted to be sure that one day a watch bearing this name would be worthy of the great master horologist who inspired it”.





Born in 1727 in Plancemont, in the Val-de-Travers (Switzerland), barely five kilometres from the current Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier, Ferdinand Berthoud was officially awarded the title of master clockmaker in Paris in 1753. An exceptional horologist who was at once highly cultivated, refined and intellectually gifted, Ferdinand Berthoud left behind an outstandingly vast body of work encompassing the fields of marine chronometers, decorative clocks and watches, specialised tools, scientific measurement instruments, as well as publications. The latter include dozens of specialised books and treatises representing 4,000 pages and 120 engraved plates.

Ferdinand Berthoud’s career was also truly exceptional, as indeed were each of the periods of history he lived through – from the Age of Enlightenment to the Empire, including surviving the French Revolution. His brilliance was duly acknowledged by his contemporaries. This recognition led to him being elected to the Institut de France, and also commissioned “Horologist mechanic by appointment to the King and the Navy” during the reigns of Louis XV and Louis XVI, as well as subsequently under the Empire. In 1804, Napoleon conferred on him the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour. Much of his work is indeed as timely and relevant today as ever.

It was in homage to this master horologist of exceptional stature that Karl-Friedrich Scheufele wished to bring back to life the illustrious name of Ferdinand Berthoud in his native region.

By way of reminder, Chopard is already strongly established in Fleurier, a town that has been beating to the tune of watchmaking for several centuries and which currently hosts Chopard Manufacture, the entity responsible for producing the L.U.C Fine Watchmaking movements; Fleurier Ebauches SA, which handles the production of Chopard mechanical movements; the Chopard Forum located in a 17th century mansion serving as a hospitality centre; and the L.U.CEUM, located within the Chopard Manufacture itself and which regroups authentic horological masterpieces including an exceptional collection of timepieces by the famous Ferdinand Berthoud.

Details relating to the launch of La Chronométrie FERDINAND BERTHOUD SA will be unveiled by the summer of 2014.








Silver pocket-watch, Ferdinand Berthoud (executed by Jean Martin), Paris, 1806

In his “Supplément au Traité des Montres à Longitudes,” Ferdinand Berthoud comprehensively described this timepiece as
“Montre Astronomique, No. 3.” The device was delivered to Jean Chaptal, Count de Chanteloup, a physician and politician.
Berthoud commissioned Jean Martin in 1806 to make the watch. In Berthoud’s opinion,
this timepiece contained everything necessary to define the accuracy of astronomical watches.

He provided clear instructions for determining longitude, e.g. this watch and No. 73
were each to be held only in a horizontal position. The end stone was to be made not
from ruby, but from diamond.
Of course, the watch could also
be used in the vertical orientation as an ordinary pocket watch.




For further information on Ferdinand Berthoud: www.ferdinandberthoud.ch



Press Release








This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-12-10 04:52:41






This message has been edited by Kong on 2013-12-10 21:32:21

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Comments: view entire thread

 

The Berthoud line will probably be positioned higher than L.U.C?

 
 By: patrick_y : December 10th, 2013-08:15
Thanks for the news Kong. Always good to see what's going on at Chopard.

I am asking the same question too ...will have to ..

 
 By: Kong : December 10th, 2013-08:18
wait for the info. Kong

Thanks for checking Kong!

 
 By: patrick_y : December 10th, 2013-08:28
I think it'll be positioned even higher because they stated it's going to be very limited pieces. L.U.C is definitely limited, but I think they meant this new line of Berthoud timepieces will be even more limited. Looking forward to seeing the designs!

From the wordings ...

 
 By: Kong : December 10th, 2013-08:34
seems to be as you said. Then it would be quite similar to Montblanc-Villeret. Kong

Oh boy! Here we go again! [nt]

 
 By: patrick_y : December 10th, 2013-08:36

Exciting news!

 
 By: ling5hk : December 11th, 2013-01:11
Any idea on their perceived competitors? Thanks Kong. Regards Ling

A very important step for Chopard ...

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : December 13th, 2013-01:42
In many markets, Chopard shares a problem with other well-known manufacturers, like Cartier and Montblanc: they are mostly perceived as specialists in another field than watchmaking. Chopard and Cartier for jewellery, Montblanc for pens. Without regard to... 

RE VERY IMPORTANT STEP

 
 By: SAMA : December 16th, 2013-19:44
As a brand they've proven they're about excellence..product & customer satisfaction wise this is no exception when Toyota launched lexus it helped Toypta sales because consumers felt they'd benefit from the "shared DNA" which is inevitable can't wait ...