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 you want to use an altimeter when mountaineering or hiking, you can of course do so with countless electronically operated gadgets. But it gets exciting when the display is built into a purely mechanical wristwatch. The watch manufacture Oris from Hölstein took on this challenge when it launched the ProPilot Altimeter, the world's first mechanical…
Shortly after the watch community started to calm down again, BREITLING CEO Georges Kern comes up with the next surprise. A collection that at first sight doesn’t seem to fit to the usual look of BREITLING watches, as the ‘Premier’ line is simple and elegant. No slide ruler, no oversized bezel as we know them…
This year, coinciding with the official press opening of the new Tudor manufacture, Tudor is introducing several new models to the following collections: the Black Bay, Black Bay 54 and Black Bay GMT, and Tudor Royal. As well as adding some new spins to the dials, Tudor is also treating us to new straps as…
In 1968, the Apollo 8 mission transmitted images to Earth that were so impressive that they triggered a metaphysical shiver across the globe. 'Earthrise', the image shot on 24 December 1968 during the fourth of ten planned orbits of the moon, not only made it clear that we humans had set foot on another celestial…
Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin's watchmaking expertise is undisputed. The manufacture has been demonstrating this expertise since 1755 – that's right: for 270 years, without interruption. The mastery of masterful complications goes hand in hand with the pursuit of beauty. There is no doubt that many people consider a mechanical movement to be an aesthetic sight in…
Before getting to TUDOR chronographs, let us start at the very beginning of the history of TUDOR. Almost 100 years ago, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf decided to pursue a new enterprise. As many watch aficionados will be able to quote, he determined to create a watch ‘at a more modest price’ than its Rolex siblings,…
Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet is one of those models whose true character only comes to light at second or third glance. This also explains why, upon its launch in 2019, the collection didn't exactly get off to a smooth start. Far too many jumped the gun, without giving the newcomer the chance to introduce…
When I visited the Zenith manufacture in Le Locle a few years ago, I discovered a wall lined with certificates in the stairwell. They were just some of the many original certificates that the watchmaker had won in the chronometry competitions organised by the Neuchâtel Observatory. In total, there are 2,333 chronometry prizes - more…
Breitling has been enjoying a new lease of life since mid-2017, under the new leadership of Georges Kern. His manufacture doesn’t simply offer a diverse array of models for the sake of wide-reaching popularity. Yet a broad appeal is exactly what the Swiss horology house is now enjoying. When Kern took over as CEO, he…
This year, 188-year-old Jaeger-LeCoultre is celebrating 90 years of its most iconic model, the Reverso. We want to take you on a journey to discover the watch's fascinating history, before introducing you to the bold and beautiful new watches themselves. Given the bright colour schemes, we'll also give tips on how to style these unusual…
A famous Italian track near Sant’Agata Bolognese (not far from the Lamborghini headquarter) had been temporarily closed for us to be able to enjoy the adrenaline rush of some Lamborghini super cars (Huracán Performante and Aventador S)! But not enough – the gala dinner afterwards was held right in the middle of the production lines…
Patek Philippe is discontinuing several models, including the Nautilus 5711/1A-010. Jewellers and authorised retailers are receiving a "run-out" list, naming the models soon to be discontinued. In addition to the Nautilus, two Grandes Complications and two models from the Complications collection are also being left behind. The full list of discontinued models can be found…