The FHF 35 is a manual-winding mechanical movement developed by Fabrique d’Horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF), a foundational Swiss ébauche manufacturer responsible for powering millions of watches during the 19th and 20th centuries. The FHF 35 is a member of a group of compact, time-only calibers tailored for ladies' wristwatches and slim dress watches, primarily in the mid-20th century.

This movement was produced with durability and simplicity in mind, contributing to the mass-market success of Swiss mechanical watches in the post-war era.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual winding

• Size: 6¾ x 8 ligne (approx. 15.3 mm x 18.1 mm)

• Height: Approx. 3.0 mm

• Jewels: Typically 17

• Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph)

• Power Reserve: ~42 hours

• Functions: Hours and minutes only (no seconds)

The small size and two-hand layout made it ideal for minimalist wristwatches with limited space.

Design and Movement Features

The FHF 35 was developed to offer high reliability in small cases, featuring:

• A simple gear train with durable steel components

• Shock protection, such as Incabloc (in most later versions)

• Two-hand configuration, reducing wear and keeping the profile slim

• A robust winding system designed for daily use

The architecture is straightforward and modular, aligning with FHF’s focus on movements that were easy to mass-produce and service.

Applications in Watchmaking

The FHF 35 was widely used in:

• Ladies’ mechanical dress watches

• Small gold or steel timepieces for the export market

• Rectangular, oval, and tonneau-shaped watches

• Private-label or jeweler-branded Swiss watches

It was especially valued for its adaptability in various case shapes and elegant designs.

Watchmaker’s Perspective

Watchmakers appreciate the FHF 35 for:

• Its durable and minimalistic construction

• Ease of disassembly and lubrication

• Strong availability of spare parts

• Compatibility with other calibers in the 6¾ x 8 ligne FHF family

Its long production run and functional consistency make it a common movement found in vintage watch repair shops today.

Conclusion

The FHF 35 is a reliable and practical manual-wind movement from a golden era of Swiss watchmaking. Designed for compact, elegant wristwatches, it represents the kind of robust, no-nonsense horology that made Swiss timepieces world-renowned. Whether found in a classic gold ladies’ watch or a slim private-label model, the FHF 35 continues to tick with quiet confidence, decades after its creation.