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…
If, in these demanding times, you are searching for beauty, good in the world, and proof of humanity's constant striving for improvement, look no further. The new Reference 5236P marks the return of a pure perpetual calendar into the Patek Philippe collection. For the first time, we have a wristwatch displaying the day, date and…
When the thoughts are flowing and ink meets paper, a piece of history is created. There is a reason that the pen is said to be mightier than the sword, but the pen also has its very own history. This year, Montblanc's most famous fountain pen is celebrating its 100th birthday: the Montblanc Meisterstück. In…
The Louvre, Paris. Once the residence of French kings, it is now the most visited museum in the world. It is home to a collection consisting of several hundred thousand works, based on the passion for art by a few. Among them are King Francis I (1515 - 1547), a patron of Leonardo da Vinci,…
Cartier has introduced two new iterations of the Tank Louis Cartier, thus expanding one of its most emblematic watch designs. As a successor to the original Tank Normale, first conceived in 1917, the Tank Louis Cartier has been an enduring symbol of elegance and refinement since its creation in 1922, making it an ever-popular centenarian.…
Luxury: what is it? What is it that so entices us to invest our money in it? At every restaurant, on every train, every street, you will most likely see somebody indulging in a luxury product or experience. A mechanical watch, a world-class hotel, a vintage car – the list is endless. But why do…
It's been another extraordinary year for us all, and the watch world is no exception. That is why the Swisswatches team sat down once more to comprise a list of our top watches of 2021. From horological giant OMEGA to independent watchmaker Armin Strom, we are presenting you with 24 special highlights to emerge from…
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…
It has recently become quite obvious throughout the watch industry that many brands dig deep in their archives and recall on their heritage. But why does everyone seem to wallow in memory of the old times? It is probably just an instinctively reaction in times of change, and without doubt the watch industry – just…
At the British Museum in London, not too far along from hallowed halls housing Egyptian mummies and Ancient Greek amphoras, there is a Clocks and Watches Room, with artefacts dating from 1300 AD to the present. From decorative domestic clocks to marine chronometers, curators strive to chronicle the story of timekeeping within a few square…
Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 270th anniversary this year, thus continuing to hold the title of the oldest watchmaker with uninterrupted production. A wonderful opportunity, then, to celebrate a heritage to which the brand remains deeply committed today, and which has become one of Vacheron Constantin's many hallmarks: the art of enamel. Together with Vacheron…
Patek Philippe is introducing four new models from the Nautilus collection at Watches & Wonders 2021. The new Nautilus 5711/1A-014, with its olive green dial, stands out in particular, and replaces the discontinued Nautilus 5711/1A with a blue dial. In addition, the manufacture is also launching a variation of this new 5711/1A-014 with a diamond-set…
Talking about Breguet, if you only have extravagant, skeletonized and hand-guilloched pieces of art with sophisticated complications in mind, you should take yourself the time to dive deeper into the history of the Maison. This is deliberately meant to be understood in a double sense, because it’s the ‘Marine’ collection that is pretty much distinctive…