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.

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.

​www.carl-f-bucherer.com​​