Hands-On: Carl F. Bucherer The Heritage BiCompax Annual
The Lucerne-based watchmaker has launched this chronograph – featuring a large date display, an annual cal- endar, and a distinctive BiCompax dial design – in two exclusive versions, each limited to 888 pieces. A tribute to the founding year of the Lucerne company with the long-standing tradition in 1888.
This particular watch release is a nod to Carl F. Bucherer’s own history and tradition in watchmaking. This latest BiCompax takes its inspiration from a release in a time gone by, where men’s watches still measured a casual 34mm. The new BiCompax has been released in a more contemporary size, a nice and comfortable 41mm. This will wear easily on wrists large and small alike.
The two versions, limited, are the same in function but visually speaking result in two complete different experiences. The stainless steel model features a silver dial, black subdials and a structured rubber strap. That strap by the way, pairs and wears very well with the watch. The stainless steel model has an overall colder colour pallet than the bicolor model which we’ll dive in to right about now as well.
The bicolor model features a rose-and-champagne dial with the bezel, push buttons, and crown crafted from precious 18 k rose gold. This is rather difficult to see in pictures, and while I’m no fan of two tone watches, this actually worked very well on this watch. It isn’t exactly two tone, and adds a certain depth & warmth to the overall watch. Very nicely done. Ask me which of the two is my favorite, well I have a hard time choosing.
Both watches are powered by the CFB 1972 caliber automatic movement, which features a practical 42 hours power reserve.
In addition to chronograph functionality, the watch also features an annual calendar that displays a large date above the center and the month between 4 and 5 o’clock. It adds a very interesting visual and balance to the face of the watch.
If doubting between either one, my personal impression was that the bicolor had the more vintage vibe, whereas the steel model had a slightly more contemporary vibe. Your call which of those you prefer of course.
SPECIFICATIONS
Reference number:
- 00.10803.07.42.01 stainless steel/rose gold
- 00.10803.08.12.01 stainless steel
Movement: Automatic, CFB 1972 caliber, diameter 30.0 mm, height 7.3 mm, 47 jewels, power reserve of 42 hours
Functions: Chronograph, minutes and seconds counters, annual calendar, large date, hour, minute, small seconds
Case: Stainless steel/18 k rose gold or stainless steel, double-domed sapphire crystal with anti-re ective coating on both sides, sapphire crystal case back, water-resistant to 30 m (3 atm), diameter 41 mm, height 14.05 mm
More info can be found at Bucherer right here
I never really looked into Carl F Bucherer for some reason. This article just changed my mind Jan! Also not a two tone guy myself, but they seem to have nailed it here. Actually a very difficult time choosing which one I`d grab! Will be in Germany soon, hope I can check these out in the metal in the stores.
Loving the big date on there .overall design of both versions is very pleasing to the eye