Carl F. Bucherer shows, why heritage watches are just now more contemporary than ever (Volume II)
In the middle of the last century, a hype around chronograph watches emerged. Over the course of time, the wrist stop-watches have received nicknames like BiCompax or TriCompax, whereas these descriptions did not stand for the number of sub-dials, but for the number of functions. However: If there was a third sub-dial placed on the dial, it was most likely an additional display of the stop seconds. As a dial can get quite overloaded with three sub-dials, BiCompax models (with stop minute and small seconds only) have become more popular over time.
A BiCompax model from 1956
SWINGING 50s
The newest addition to Carl F. Bucherer’s ‘Heritage’ product line, which was launched in 2018, is inspired by such a BiCompax chronograph from 1956. The rectangle chronograph pushers were totally in fashion then and they are today hardly seen around any longer.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
At Carl F. Bucherer they decided to revive this classical design for their ‘Heritage’ line. It is important to note that these pieces are no reproductions – but they much more combine historical features with newest technical approaches and contemporary design-codes. Whereas the original model from 1956 used to have a case size of 34 mm, the new Heritage BiCompax Annual appears in more contemporary 41mm. Another advantage: The case now also offers enough space for an annual calendar that has been added to this modern execution, however without a weekday display. The calibre CFB 1972 has been fit with an ETA base movement with Dubois Dépraz module.
CFB BiCompax from 1956 with a 34 mm case (left)
CFB Heritage BiCompax Annual with a 41 mm case (right)
The aperture of the month display is discreetly bedded between 4 and 5 o’clock. Just like the big date at 12 o’clock, it is slightly lowered with a dark underlay which generates a pretty-looking depth on the dial. Just like the original watch, the sub-dials are circular guilloched and also slightly lowered. As the indexes and numerals are printed instead of applied, in reminiscence to the original model, the different levels mentioned above give some nice structure to the dial. The domed sapphire glass in box-style complements this look.
CFB Heritage BiCompax Annual ‘Panda’ dial
There are two beautiful executions to choose from: One model with salmon dial and stainless steel and rose gold case, worn on a cognac leather strap – or a version with silver-coloured dial in ‘Panda’ optic in a stainless-steel case, worn on a black embossed rubber strap.
The new Heritage BiCompax Annual comes in two executions
The Heritage BiCompax Annual models are limited to 888 pieces. In stainless steel (Ref. 00.10803.08.12.01) the chronograph with annual calendar costs fair 6.400 euros and 9.200 euros in bicolor (Ref. 00.10803.07.42.01). Lean back, turn on the jazz and join us on a journey back to the swinging 50s.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Longines extends its Heritage segment with a new interpretation, the Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946 – the reissue of a piece produced in the late 1940s. Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946 In keeping with the design of the piece that inspired it, the watch features a domed silvered opaline dial enhanced by two finely sculptured counters (a…
In April, Norqain — arguably the youngest brand in the history of the fair — will make its second appearance at the prestigious Watches and Wonders. To mark the occasion, Norqain will present, among other highlights, two new models from the Independence Skeleton Chrono collection, as well as a total of four new models from…
Laurent Perves has a lot of topics to manage at Vacheron Constantin, from shopping experience and customer service to product design, innovation and communication. On top of that, he has recently been appointed International Sales Director, and is also responsible for the expansion of e-commerce, as well as the balancing act between offline & online…
From the picturesque La Côte-aux-Fées with its lush green pastures to the dazzling fashion capital of Paris – within 150 years, the watchmaking workshop founded by Georges-Édourard Piaget on his family’s farm has come a long way. An established institution for haute horlogerie and haute joaillerie, Piaget has been manufacturing countless elaborate pieces for more…
Whenever Raphael Nadal sweeps across the court for hours again while wearing his Richard Mille watch, the sportsman doesn’t have to care any longer about damage that might be caused by overwinding. Thanks to Richard Milles newest invention: a declutching rotor system. Given that the Richard Mille testimonial already owns one of the only 100…
The beauty of traditional watch manufactures is, that on the one hand production methods that once made them strong are still being emphasized today, and on the other hand this unbroken innovation spirit from past times still generates modern and exciting new techniques. The Breguet Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 that has been introduced at the beginning…
If you search the Breitling website for Colt, you won’t find anything anymore. Perhaps only a short description of the collection. But there is nothing else left of a line that established itself in the 1980s to become the entry level watch at Breitling. The Avenger appeared suddenly in 2001, forcing fans to decide between…
The 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania founded watch brand Hamilton not only produced precise timepieces for the railroad and field watches for soldiers on the ground, but also precise watches for the timekeeping in the sky. However, not so much for the military but primarily for the pilots of the U.S. Airmail. That was 100 years…
In a feat almost as impressive as Apollo 13, we were able to gather all three legendary OMEGA Snoopy watches together in the same room. We decided to size them up in the metal, from aesthetics and functionality, to the story behind each watch. It's time to focus on three extraordinary things: Space, Snoopy, and…
The 'Nordschleife' (Northern loop) has the reputation of being the most difficult racetrack in the world. This winding ribbon of tarmac makes its way through 33 left-hand and 40 right-hand bends, while varying in altitudes of 300 m over the Eifel National Park – more than any other race track. The Nordschleife is so notorious…
For some people travelling is the epitome of freedom – for others it is just normal daily business. “Once a year you should visit a place you have never been before” Dalai Lama said and points out a desire that is deeply rooted in many people. In this growing connected world people don’t only travel…
Following the launch of its new Calibre 400 in-house movement in mid-October, Oris is now launching its first watch to feature the calibre. The Hölstein-based watchmakers have chosen its Aquis Date model as the first lucky recipient. In this article, we explain exactly not only why they chose a diver's watch, but also how the…
With 35 international branches and around 800 employees, luxury watch and jewellery retailer Wempe is one of the largest of its kind. Given its size, it’s no surprise that the retailer also sells its own creations in order to save on margins, so to speak. But without a coherent story, business for Wempe would probably…