Movement record · Switzerland

Fontainemelon FHF 72

Partially verified

Workhorse hand-wound ébauche from one of the largest Swiss ébauche makers, later absorbed into ETA; found under countless brand names.

Technical specifications

Diameter: Approx. 25.6 mm (11½ lignes)
Height: Approx. 3.9–4.6 mm depending on version
Jewels: 17 jewels typical
Frequency: 18,000 vph
Power reserve: Approx. 40+ hours (period figures vary)
Winding: Hand-wound
Setting: Stem setting
Escapement: Swiss lever
Balance: Monometallic
Complications: Small seconds or centre seconds depending on layout

Identification features

FHF calibre number stamped near the balance
Simple, service-friendly going train layout
Brand name on the dial rarely matches the movement maker

Known variants

FHF 72 (small seconds)
Centre-seconds derivatives
Later ETA-branded continuations

Servicing notes

Cleaning, lubrication, mainspring and pivot work belong with a qualified watchmaker working from calibre-specific documentation. Conserve original parts: replacing a worn component with a modern substitute changes the object, and refinishing plates or dials destroys evidence.

General guidance only. Antique movements should be serviced by a qualified watchmaker.

Historical significance

Fontainemelon's output illustrates the scale of the ébauche industry: a handful of factories supplied the movements behind most Swiss dials of the period, which is why movement identification matters more than dial signatures for dating.

Diagram

Schematic: plate and bridge layout. An outline schematic drawn to show the arrangement of the parts discussed here. It is not a dimensioned working drawing and does not depict a particular maker's calibre.

Sources & references

de Carle, D., Watch and Clock Encyclopedia
Period trade material catalogues and calibre reference compilations (edition-dependent)
Published manufacturer technical documentation where available

Where sources disagree, the disagreement is stated rather than resolved silently.