General Technical Specifications (FHF 400 to 415 Series)

• Winding type: Manual

• Size: 5¾ x 8¾ ligne (approx. 13.0 mm x 19.4 mm)

• Height: ~2.95 mm

• Jewels: 17 (typical)

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

• Power reserve: Around 40–42 hours

• Functions: Hours and minutes (no seconds hand)

These movements were often housed in rectangular, oval, or curved watch cases, ideal for delicate fashion and jewelry watches.

Core Design Features

Each movement in the FHF 400–415 range includes:

• Shock protection system (commonly Incabloc)

• Simple gear train, engineered for reliability in small form

• Compact layout, with minimal friction and wear points

• Two-hand (hour and minute) configuration, keeping height and complexity low

Due to their size and function, these calibers rarely featured complications like seconds or date, focusing instead on aesthetics, accuracy, and durability in tight spaces.

Differences Between References

Here’s what typically distinguishes the movements from FHF 400 to 415:

• Bridge and plate layouts (to fit different cases or dial designs)

• Stem and crown positions (side vs. offset, left vs. right)

• Dial feet placement or hand height variations

• Specific tweaks for private-label or OEM assembly requirements

For example:

• FHF 400: Base caliber used widely in mid-century rectangular ladies' watches

• FHF 405–410: Slightly modified versions with reoriented setting mechanisms

• FHF 411–415: Adapted for alternative case dimensions or stem heights

These were not mechanical overhauls but case-driven optimizations for watchmakers building high-volume fashion models.

Applications in Watchmaking

Movements from this series were used extensively in:

• Ladies' gold or gold-plated dress watches

• Art Deco-inspired rectangular and tonneau cases

• Private-label Swiss and European brands

• Slim, two-hand mechanical watches aimed at export markets

Their combination of thinness, simplicity, and Swiss reliability made them perfect for elegant timepieces where mechanical size constraints were critical.

Watchmaker's Perspective

Movements from the FHF 400–415 series are:

• Simple and easy to service

• Durable, with long-term performance in well-cared-for pieces

• Interchangeable in some cases due to shared architecture

• Often found in restoration-ready condition thanks to strong build quality

They are still favored in vintage repairs and teaching environments for their straightforward mechanical logic.

Conclusion

The FHF 400 to 415 movement series reflects FHF’s mastery of compact mechanical watchmaking. Built for style, efficiency, and versatility, these calibers powered countless elegant watches over several decades. While modest in complexity, they exemplify the Swiss tradition of reliable engineering applied at miniature scale—and continue to function reliably in many vintage wristwatches today.