Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration Watch Review
The Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration is available in four versions, each limited in number. Inspired by some of the models it produced in the 1960s, the Lucerne-based firm has created an elegant watch that reinterprets the past but is very applicable to the present. Angus Davies shares his observations on this vintage-themed model.
Snooping on your kids
My children are in their twenties, making their way in the big wide world. As a parent, lamenting my children’s absence, I confess to snooping on their lives via Instawhatsy. It’s a guilty secret that’s best kept between us.
They often post a story with an accompanying soundtrack. Sometimes it’s a bit of modern-day Grime music, while on other occasions it can be a hit from the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s. Yes, my kids have an eclectic taste in music. I attribute this to allowing them to access my iTunes library when they were young. It’s packed with an extensive catalogue of tunes. A Beatles classic, a bit of Led Zeppelin or various hits by Queen captivated my children during their formative years. I was reminded of this whilst attending a recent press event in Munich with Lucerne-based watch brand, Carl F. Bucherer.
Carl F. Bucherer – plans for the future
At the event, journalists from around the globe gathered in the Bavarian city and listened to the company present its plans for the future. The stated strategy was clear, ‘A refined product range, a higher proportion of timepieces powered by Peripheral technology and a more dynamic aesthetic’.
As a longtime admirer of Carl F. Bucherer, I’m fully aware of its impressive technical expertise, its ingenious Peripheral technology and its prowess in designing contemporary, elegant watches. However, while perusing the various mouthwatering horological delights on display, I discovered a limited-edition model that looked very different from its neoteric siblings.
The new Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration, as its name implies, looks to the past. Inspired by the 1960s, the model comes in an array of variants encompassing different dial and case choices.
Images – period watch (above) and modern-day Heritage Chronometer Celebration (below)
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration – dial
There are four versions of the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration. The steel model is available with either a silver galvanised dial or black lacquered display, while the 18-carat rose gold case comes with a choice of a silver galvanised or brown lacquered dial.
The hour and minute hands are plump with truncated tips and they match the hue of the chosen case material. Facetted hour markers sit proud of the dial, introducing a three-dimensional charm while simultaneously flirting with light. Both the hands and indexes are lined with a sliver of black enamel. The dial also incorporates Super-LumiNova, adding a useful dose of nocturnal luminescence.
A supremely fine centre seconds hand, fitted with a prominent red triangular tip, circumnavigates the dial, kissing the neat minute markers. The prevailing date is shown at 3 o’clock. And that’s it. There is nothing superfluous with this dial, simply the essentials.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration – case
Despite the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration being vintage-inspired, at 39 mm it is larger than watches typical of the 1960s, making it perfectly aligned with modern-day tastes. Moreover, with a height of just 8.45 mm, the new CFB is slender and elegant without appearing malnourished. When affixed to the wrist, it will readily slip beneath the cuff of a shirt.
The Swiss marque has equipped this model with a mesh bracelet endowed with a quick-release system. This latter detail allows the wearer to easily swap the bracelet for a generic leather strap. However, having worn the mesh bracelet, I can attest it is very comfortable. Moreover, as a fiftysomething cursed with hirsute wrists, I was relieved to find the bracelet didn’t snag the hairs gracing my left arm.
Carl F. Bucherer has shunned the ubiquitous sapphire caseback, choosing to equip the rear of the watch with a period-inspired embossed cover. The motif features a swan, a nod to the brand’s home of Lucerne, a beech tree, ‘representing the Bucherer family’, and ‘1888’, the date the company was founded.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration – CFB 1965.1 caliber
As the self-winding CFB 1965.1 caliber is hidden from view, it is not possible to critique the finishing. However, there are some characteristics that the Swiss firm freely discloses. The movement has 25 jewels and it will run autonomously for 42 hours. Measuring just 3.6 mm in height, the slender movement contributes to the CFB’s svelte profile.
Furthermore, the watch is a COSC-certified chronometer, providing independent assurance of its timekeeping talents.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration – closing thoughts
The Heritage Chronometer Celebration is simple to read, comfortable to wear and highly precise. So far, so good. But this watch offers so much more.
I found the execution of all of the dial options to be superb. The facetted hour markers readily engage with light, creating areas of brilliance and shade. While the gold models are beautiful, personally, I would opt for the stainless steel model equipped with the silver-toned dial. The fine sunray motif adorning this dial exudes a notable degree of luxury, surpassing its functional remit.
Indeed, it’s the steel watches that make the most compelling case for selection. Retailing for £5100 (RRP as of 3.8.2023), the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration represents good value for money, especially considering its specification and refined execution.
There were many impressive models at the recent CFB event in Munich, some of which featured Peripheral technology, modern case materials and contemporary styling. Nevertheless, by releasing the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration, the Swiss marque has shown there is also merit in looking to the past and celebrating the classics of yesteryear.
Further reading
https://www.carl-f-bucherer.com/
Technical specifications
- Model: Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration
- Reference: 00.10804.03.13.21 (18K rose gold with silver dial)
- Reference: 00.10804.03.93.21 (18K rose gold with brown dial)
- Reference: 00.10804.08.13.21 (stainless steel & silver dial)
- Reference: 00.10804.08.33.21 (stainless steel & black dial)
- Case: diameter 39 mm, height 8.45 mm, water resistance 3 ATM (30m), sapphire crystal to the front, solid case back
- Functions: hours, minutes, centre seconds, date
- Movement: CFB 1965.1 caliber, self-winding movement, 25 jewels, power reserve 42 hours
- Bracelet: mesh bracelet with quick-release system
- Price and availability – 18K versions: £16,500 (RRP as of 3.8.2023), limited to 88 pieces per reference
- Price and availability – steel versions: £5,100 (RRP as of 3.8.2023), limited to 188 pieces per reference