Ferdinand Berthoud is a Swiss born clockmaker but established his reputation as a clockmaker in Paris. He first practiced under his brother’s supervision, Jean-Henri, at the age of 14. He then moved in to Paris in 1745 to perfect his craft. Studied under the apprenticeship of one of the greatest clockmaker in the history of France, Julien Le Roy, he honed his skills in fitting gears and winding keys with best and advance horology at that time.
Together with Pierre Le Roy, son of Julien, they pioneered the field of chronometry in France. He also became a member of various groups for his great contribution to horology.
He invented the spring escapement and make improvements on existing self-compensating balance wheel. He also did experimental works on timekeeping.
He was admitted as a member of the Royal Society in 1764, a lead member for establishment of Royal Clock Factory in 1786, a juror for deciding over concerns in new time system and a member of the Temporary Commission for the Arts in 1793, and appointed as Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur in 1804.
Aside from putting his knowledge in practical use, he also authored a number of writings for marine chronometry and horology with a total of ten books published under his penmanship.
As a clockmaker, he created a number of movements for long cases and mantle clocks. Some of the most beautiful works that still exist today are:
Classic Louis XVI
This precise tall case clock with 30-day movement is a collaborative work with a renowned marquetry master Balthazar Lieutaud. It features a Georges Graham escapement, a year calendar, and a bell striking on every hour and half hours. It is also equipped with self maintaining power and equation of time that varies depending on solar day interval of a certain season.
The adornments of gild and cast bronze and brass in linings and urn were created by Philippe Caffieri.
Louis XV Rococo Bracket Clock
One of exquisitely made antique French clocks, Louis XV Rococo Bracket Clock has 8-movement and has a sign on white enamel dial by Ferdinand Berthoud. The bell strikes on hourly and quarterly manner with a pull repeat mechanism. Its case is embellished with gilt bronze designs of flaking dragons with a Cupid holding an hourglass atop the dial and down the waist is a pair of lions head.
18th century Berthoud mantle clock
A magnificent illustration of one of intricately designed Louis XVI antique mantle clocks is a collaborative work with artisan Monginot, circa 1780. This masterpiece displays figures of frolicking cupids playing instruments. This classical image of draping around cupids really gives you the taste of unique French artistry.
Some masterpieces are displayed in different museums in Europe like the fine cartel clock displayed in Mobilier National, Paris; and shelf clock which was donated by New York University is now housed in The National Watch and Clock Museum. Some can be found in Guildhall Museum, State Museum of Prehistory in Dresden, and Stockholm National Museum that houses the Golden Watch.