The FHF 62 is a manual-winding mechanical movement produced by Fabrique d’Horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF), a historic Swiss ébauche manufacturer known for crafting reliable and compact watch calibers. This movement is part of the FHF 62 family, designed primarily for ladies’ wristwatches and slim dress watches, particularly popular during the mid-20th century.

The FHF 62 represents the classic Swiss approach to mechanical watchmaking, emphasizing simplicity, durability, and elegance in a small form factor.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual winding

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

• Height: Around 3.0 mm

• Jewels: 17

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

• Power Reserve: About 42 hours

• Functions: Hours and minutes (two-hand display)

Design and Features

The FHF 62 movement is characterized by:

• A minimalist two-hand layout, omitting the seconds hand for a slimmer profile

• Inclusion of shock protection (usually Incabloc) in later versions for enhanced durability

• A clean and efficient gear train and bridge architecture for reliable performance

• Compatibility with rectangular, oval, and tonneau cases, popular in ladies’ watches of the era

Its streamlined construction allowed for ease of manufacturing and servicing, contributing to its widespread use.

Applications in Watchmaking

The FHF 62 was frequently used in:

• Ladies’ dress watches from the 1950s to 1970s

• Slim and elegant mechanical wristwatches

• Private-label Swiss watches exported globally

• Gold, gold-plated, and stainless steel cases emphasizing sophistication and slimness

Watchmaker’s Perspective

Watchmakers appreciate the FHF 62 for:

• Its reliability and ease of maintenance

• The availability of parts for repair and restoration

• Its simple, logical layout, making servicing straightforward

• Strong performance despite its compact size

These qualities make the FHF 62 a common choice in vintage watch repair and restoration.

Conclusion

The FHF 62 is a classic example of Swiss mechanical watchmaking designed for elegance and longevity. Its compact size, dependable construction, and clean functionality helped define a generation of ladies’ mechanical watches. Today, it remains a respected movement among collectors and horologists who appreciate the enduring craftsmanship of mid-century Swiss calibers.