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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement record · Switzerland

FHF 96

Partially verified

Bridge calibre for general wristwatch production

Technical specifications

Diameter
11 1/2 lignes (approx. 25.6 mm)
Height
Not recorded in the sources consulted
Jewels
17 (variants differ)
Frequency
18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve
Approx. 40 hours
Winding
Manual, stem wind
Setting
Pendant set
Escapement
Swiss lever
Balance
Monometallic balance
Complications
Small or centre seconds depending on variant

Identification features

  • 'FHF' mark with calibre number
  • Distinctive bridge outlines used across the 96 family

Known variants

  • Small-seconds and centre-seconds variants
  • Date variants

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

A workhorse ébauche of the mid-century Swiss trade, widely used in watches signed with retailer and brand names.

Diagram

top plate or bridgespillar platebalance and cockwheel train between the plates
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

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

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