Legendary Figures of Watchmaking: Ferdinand Berthoud
Have you ever wondered who were some of the watchmakers of history who documented how to make the beautiful watches we have today? Well, Berthoud is one of them! Ferdinand Berthoud is widely known for his contribution to horological literature but also for his creation of various sea chronometers for the French King.
Berthoud was born in Placement Val-de-Travers on March 18 1727 which is located in the Canton of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. His father was a carpenter and architect and he had four brothers and one sister. At age 14, he became a clock making apprentice to one of his brothers while he studied science. In order to continue his education in horology and improve his skills, he moved to Paris in 1745.
He continued to refine his abilities as a watchmaker and in 1753, he received the title of Master Watchmaker by order of the French Royal Council. Over the next 10 years, he gained a reputation for extremely quality and high craftsmanship which drew the attention of the French King in 1763. The King wanted Berthoud to create Sea Clocks for the Navy.
The King asked Berthoud to visit John Harrison to look at his latest Sea Clock, the H4. Berthoud attempted to look at it multiple times - Harrison showed him his H1, H2 and H3, but refused to show his latest version of his Sea Clock. Harrison knew that he had created something of value and did not want to share his intellectual property. It was English horologist Thomas Mudge who explained the working principles of the H4 to Berthoud. With this information, Berthoud began his work.
In 1766, Berthouds plan and financing was approved by the King and two years later, he presented his clocks! The King had his explorer, Charles-Pierre Claret test the clocks which preformed perfectly.
Not only did Berthoud contribute to the history of sea chronometers, he also wrote multiple books on the art of horology. He also created his own equation of time clock in 1752. Berthoud passed away in Groslay on July 20, 1807. There is an independent watch company named Ferdinand Berthoud that continues his legacy.
Enjoy!
