Carl F. Bucherer has a long and storied history in watchmaking, dating back to 1888. The company is renowned for its technical excellence, engineering prowess, and its commitment to Swiss watchmaking tradition. The Heritage BiCompax Annual is a prime example of this. It is a watch that celebrates the achievements of the past, with a design that pays tribute to the characterful styling of the 1950s, while also incorporating contemporary features and functionalities to meet the demands of today's watch wearer.
Courtesy of Carl F. Bucherer
The Heritage BiCompax Annual was first introduced in 2019, and it quickly became a best-selling timepiece. The 2023 edition retains the core aesthetic and functionality of the original, but with a new twist. The most noticeable update is the new silver-gray dial, which gives the watch a lighter and brighter finish. The watch also comes with two new strap options: a stainless-steel bracelet and a “nubuck” vegan leather strap in light gray. This versatility allows the watch to be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both formal and casual occasions. The stainless-steel bracelet with its quick-release mechanism adds to the watch’s practicality. A watch collector would likely appreciate the ease with which they can swap between the two straps depending on the occasion.
The Heritage BiCompax Annual features a 41mm stainless steel case. Watch enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate details on the dial which features a tachymeter scale, a chronograph with two registers, and a big date display. The tachymeter scale is a marked ring around the outer edge of the dial that can be used to measure speed. The chronograph function allows the watch to measure elapsed time. The two registers on the dial are counters that track the elapsed time. The big date display features two separate discs, one for the tens digit and one for the units digit, of the date. These features are all presented in a clear and easy-to-read format, thanks to the use of black Arabic numerals and rhodanized counters.
The Heritage BiCompax Annual is a watch that is both stylish and functional. The annual calendar complication automatically takes into account the different lengths of months, so it only needs to be adjusted once a year. The watch is also water-resistant to 30 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear.
Courtesy of Carl F. Bucherer
The Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual is part of the brand’s Heritage collection. This collection is dedicated to reinterpreting and updating classic watch designs from the company’s archives. The Heritage BiCompax Annual is a perfect example of how Carl F. Bucherer is able to take a timepiece from its history and make it relevant for modern watch lovers. The watch is limited to just 888 pieces, making it a true collector’s item.
Powering this remarkable timepiece is the CFB 1972 caliber, an in-house developed movement with intricate craftsmanship on full display. Through the sapphire crystal case back, you get a glimpse of the technical ballet happening inside – 47 jewels interworking, the automatic winding system steadily maintaining the 42-hour power reserve. This movement is not just about keeping time, it embodies the skill and artistry poured into its creation.
The Heritage BiCompax Annual, beyond its good looks, is a highly functional watch. It's a chronograph, a testament to CFB's knack for crafting complex yet user-friendly timepieces. The two chronograph registers, or "sub-dials," form what's known as the BiCompax layout – this balanced, almost face-like appearance of the dial is part of the watch's charm. These registers track elapsed seconds and minutes as the chronograph is engaged, giving you those precise time measurements.
Courtesy of Carl F. Bucherer
The annual calendar complication is a standout feature – a testament to Swiss horology's ingenuity. This means the date and month are automatically adjusted, no need to furiously spin the crown trying to land on March after February's shorter stint on the calendar. That extra bit of automation is a nod to practicality that any watch lover will admire. And let's not forget the big date window – generous in size, it gives those crucial digits room to breathe, ensuring you never have to squint and guess.
A beautiful movement deserves a worthy vessel, and Carl F. Bucherer didn't skimp here. The 41mm case is crafted from stainless steel, a material known for its durability and sleekness. A double-domed sapphire crystal, with its slight curvature, offers both scratch resistance and a touch of vintage nostalgia. With water resistance up to 30 meters, this isn't your dedicated dive watch, but it can handle its own against everyday splashes and the occasional unexpected downpour.
Courtesy of Carl F. Bucherer
Part of the fun of collecting watches sometimes lies in the ability to switch up the look on a whim. The Heritage BiCompax Annual certainly delivers on this front. The stainless-steel bracelet with a quick-release system gives it a classic, polished presence. But it's the inclusion of the light gray "nubuck" vegan leather strap that offers a whole new dimension. This modern, ethically sourced material adds a touch of sporty refinement, transforming the watch's vibe entirely.
Limited to just 888 pieces, this Heritage BiCompax Annual is destined to capture the hearts of discerning collectors. It's that balance of heritage inspiration and contemporary execution that makes it so appealing. The BiCompax layout lends a sense of vintage chronograph charm, yet the execution is distinctly modern.
There's also the appreciation for the movement, the technical complexities visible behind that case back. And, let's be honest, the annual calendar isn't just a functional win, it's a sign that Carl F .Bucherer caters to the enthusiast – someone who gets satisfaction from that little bit of horological cleverness.
Courtesy of Carl F. Bucherer
The new Heritage BiCompax Annual isn't simply a pretty face (although its silver-gray dial is undoubtedly charming). This is a watch with substance. It speaks to the legacy of Carl F. Bucherer, their technical prowess, and a deep respect for traditional watchmaking. It blends a classic aesthetic with a feature set designed for the modern world. For a collector in search of a watch that tells a story, that offers both visual appeal and genuine functionality, the Heritage BiCompax Annual delivers in spades.