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…
The Navitimer from Breitling is turning 70! Originally conceived as a tool watch with which pilots could still perform flight calculations using a completely analogue system, it has advanced over the years and, since its time on the wrists of jazz great Miles Davis, filmmaker enfant terrible Serge Gainsbourg or racing legends Jim Clark and…
How the Black Bay lives on through its most popular diver’s watch If he were alive today, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf would be tremendously proud to see the legacy of his life’s work in the 21st century. Temporarily removing Rolex from the picture, he would have been equally proud to discover how its sister brand,…
Fewer and fewer collectors are carrying out a reality check when buying new watches. Yet, this is essential before deciding whether you like a watch or a brand. A big mistake, says Joern Kengelbach. He conducted his own personal experiment with the limited edition Wempe Signature Collection x Ulysse Nardin Diver NET at a pool…
Many brands have an iconic model at the forefront of their portfolio: few, however, hold the key to such a storied history as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. No wonder, then, that the brand used this year’s Watches and Wonders trade fair to bestow several creative new pieces upon us, drawing up on the horology house’s own…
Museums are a popular way to spend one’s weekend. A place to take the kids, discover key moments in history, and immerse oneself in everything from portraits at the Louvre to mummified priests at the British Museum. The Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, however, attracts rather a different crowd. The museum has drawn in countless…
It is a touching tribute to his father: as Philippe Stern turns 85 on 10 November, his son, Thierry Stern, will introduce the world to the Reference 1938P-001, limited to a mere 30 pieces. Thus, the current President will pay homage to the Honorary President of the manufacture, while its employees likewise honour the man who…
As you might have heard, Patek Philippe invested 600 million Swiss francs into its new factory building in Plan-les-Ouates, which was completed earlier this year. If you are wondering what such a large sum was spent on, and how the Stern family is envisaging the balancing act between preserving tradition and looking to the future,…
Collecting is certainly more of a journey than a destination as tastes, among other things, change over time. One thing which changes significantly, yet is scarcely talked about, is the underlying motive for making a purchase. At the beginning, starting out with little knowledge, you tend to make a purchase based on one sole factor:…
Breguet is a brand with a vast history, and an equally great heritage on its shoulders. With that in mind, it's worth asking the question: how has it updated its Marine collection in 2020 to live up to the company's 18th-century seafaring past? Any enthusiast who knows a thing or two will know that Breguet's…
While many of us will admittedly be glad to bid farewell to 2020, the watch community will nevertheless be looking back fondly on the wonderful mechanical creations to emerge from this unusual year. That's why, here at Swisswatches Magazine, we compiled a list of our favourite timepieces to come out of the horology industry in…
Thomas Jefferson once said 'A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.' Yet I found that I didn't need to take a walk. At Jaeger-LeCoultre's Reverso Stories Exhibition, a ten-second trot from our hotel on Rue Boissy d'Anglas in Paris, I discovered an array of both beauty…
Form follows function. This basic principle coming from product-design and architecture might have been the major inspiration for Audemars Piguet when it first designed the Royal Oak collection in 1972. It is such a distinctive design that watch enthusiasts will no doubt recognise this model with a single glance. But what is most interesting to…