The Lucerne-based watchmaker has launched this chronographChronograph A chronograph complication is a feature in a watch that allows the wearer to measure elapsed time in addition to telling the time. It works by having a separate set of gears and levers, called the chronograph mechanism, which is activated by pressing a button or a pusher. The chronograph mechanism starts and stops the chronograph's second hand, which is usually located on the watch's dial, separate from the regular watch hands. The elapsed time is usually displayed on a sub-dial or a register on the watch's dial. [Learn More] – featuring a large date display, an annual cal- endar, and a distinctive BiCompaxBi-Compax A bi-compax watch is a type of chronograph watch that has two sub-dials ('twin register') [Learn More] 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 crownCrown The knob on the outside of the watch that you typically use to either wind the mainspring or set the time [Learn More] 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 caliberCaliber The caliber ('movement') is the heart and engine of a watch. It consists of a number of interconnected components that work together. Energy is transmitted through the gear train, to the escapement mechanism. The escapement mechanism releases this energy in a controlled manner. This drives the gear train, which ultimately rotates the hands of the watch and keeps time. [More Info] automatic movement, which features a practical 42 hours power reserveRéserve de marche Also known as Power Reserve. A watch's power reserve refers to the amount of time a mechanical watch can run without being wound. The power reserve of a mechanical watch can vary depending on the size of the mainspring, the efficiency of the gear train, and the rate at which the mainspring releases energy. If a watch has a Power Reserve 'complication' it simply means that the status of the power reserve can be seen on the watch itself (either on the dial or movement side of the watch). [Learn More].
In addition to chronograph functionality, the watch also features an annual calendarAnnual Calendar An annual calendar is a complication in a mechanical watch that automatically adjusts for the different lengths of the months, except February, and only requires one manual adjustment per year at the end of February. It has a mechanism that takes into account the different number of days in each month and automatically adjusts the date accordingly. [Learn More] 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 jewelsJewels Watch jewels are small, synthetic sapphire or ruby bearings that are used in mechanical watches to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. They are typically made from corundum. They are used as bearings for a.o. the pivots to reduce friction. [Learn More], 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