Ferdinand Berthoud

• gilt full plate movement with special lever escapement based on the principle of Julien Leroy, fusee and chain, pierced and engraved balance bridge, repetition by two hammers repeating on the case, movement signed Ferdinand Berthoud No. 1113 • white enamel dial, Roman numerals, outer date ring, fleur-de-lys hands • case with chased band, engine turned sun burst patterned back heightened with spot motifs, case with Parisian hallmarks for 1781 • dial and inner bezel signed • accompanied by a decorative gold key

Sold in 1781 to Monsieur Le Baillit des Barres.
Drouot, Horlogerie de Collection, Me Hervé Chayette, Paris, June 4th 1980.

 

 

The present watch is illustrated in Jean-Claude Sabrier, Guidargus de l'Horlogerie de Collection, Les Editions de l'Amateur, p. 341.

Movement running and repeating but it has not been tested for time keeping. Dial in good overall condidtion. Case with light scuffs throughout but the engine turning to the back is still clear. Overall, this watch is a fine example of complicated watches by the watchmaker Ferdinand Berthoud.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) was born in Plancemont, in the area of Neuchâtel, Switzerland, on March 19th, 1727. Showing an interest in mechanical things at a very early age, his father decided to have him taught the art of clockmaking. Moving to Paris at the age of 19, it is thought that he worked for Julien Le Roy for some time, before setting up his own workshop in the rue de Harlay, Ile de la Cité, in 1745. In 1752 he presented an equation watch with a perpetual calendar to the Academy of Sciences. After a journey in England to examine John Harrison's marine clocks, also with the help of Thomas Mudge who gave him technical information, he then undertook the construction of his own marine clocks 6 and 8, which competed for the prize for the best measurement of time at sea, offered in 1767 and 1769 by the Académie Royale des Sciences. These timekeepers were tried at sea in 1768 and 1769 by Eveux de Fleurieu, commander of the frigate Isis and, along with those of Pierre Le Roy, in 1771 and 1772 by Verdun de la Crenne. Despite the influential support of Fleurieu, it was finally Pierre Le Roy who received the double prize of the Académie. Ferdinand Berthoud received many honours and official appointments: Fellow of the Royal Society of London (1764); "Horloger Mécanicien de Sa Majesté et de la Marine ayant l'inspection de la Construction des Horloges Marines" (1764); Member of the Commission to establish a Royal Clock Factory in Paris (1786); Member of the Jury responsible for deciding questions concerning the new time system (1793); Member of the Temporary Commission for the Arts (1793); Member of the Institute of France (1795); Member of the Jury of the 3rd and 4th Exhibitions of the Products of French Industry,  and Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur (1804). Ferdinand Berthoud died on 20 June 1807, having been appointed Clockmaker to the Navy, Member of the Institute of France and Fellow of the Royal Society of London. His name is among those of the great, engraved on the facade of the Palace of Industry.