The FHF 676.4 is a manual-winding mechanical movement developed by Fabrique d’Horlogerie de Fontainemelon (FHF), one of Switzerland’s most prolific and historic ébauche manufacturers. This caliber is part of the FHF 676 family, a line of small-sized, time-only movements designed primarily for ladies’ wristwatches and slim unisex models during the mid-to-late 20th century.

The “.4” suffix denotes a specific sub-variant of the base FHF 676, typically indicating technical refinements or case-specific adaptations for watchmakers and brands needing precise fitting options.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Manual winding

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

• Height: Around 3.0 mm

• Jewels: 17

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

• Power Reserve: Approximately 42 hours

• Functions: Hours and minutes only (no seconds hand)

This movement is known for its compactness, durability, and suitability for fashion-forward watches with minimal internal space.

Movement Features

The FHF 676.4 was engineered to provide reliable performance in small, delicate cases while maintaining ease of assembly and servicing. Key characteristics include:

• Shock protection (commonly Incabloc or equivalent)

• Two-hand timekeeping with a simple gear train

• Refined bridge layout and keyless works

• Compatibility with a wide range of small case designs

Its layout was likely optimized for thin rectangular or oval cases, with possible adjustments in stem height, crown position, or dial feet alignment compared to earlier variants.

Use in Watchmaking

The FHF 676.4 was commonly found in:

• Ladies’ dress watches from the 1960s to 1980s

• Swiss-made slim mechanical watches with no complications

• Private-label models and export-market timepieces

• Gold, gold-plated, or steel-cased watches emphasizing elegance and thinness

It was chosen for watches where a clean dial and compact movement were required, often replacing larger or more complex calibers in more ornate designs.

Watchmaker's Perspective

From a servicing standpoint, the FHF 676.4 is:

• Reliable and stable under regular use

• Easy to clean and lubricate thanks to its simple architecture

• Compatible with many parts across the FHF 676 family

• Ideal for vintage restorations or repairs involving classic ladies’ watches

Its clean two-hand configuration and strong mechanical build make it a dependable caliber for watches that continue to be worn today.

Conclusion

The FHF 676.4 is a refined, efficient manual-wind movement built for elegance, precision, and compact design. It exemplifies FHF’s strength in crafting robust, small-format calibers for Swiss watchmakers during a golden age of mechanical watchmaking. Still valued in the world of vintage horology, it remains a trusted movement in both collectible and functional timepieces.