Carl F. Bucherer presents new version of its popular Heritage BiCompax Annual

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Some creations simply stand the test of time – in music, cinema, fashion, and, of course, watchmaking. The Heritage BiCompax Annual by Carl F. Bucherer is proof of that on many levels: highly functional and utterly precise, the elegant chronograph with an annual calendar celebrates the design and savoir-faire of the early 1950s, harmoniously merging vintage charm with “Made of Lucerne” watchmaking art. Now, two years after the original debut in 2019, the Lucerne-based watchmaker introduces a new contrasting version of its popular Heritage BiCompax Annual. Limited to only 888 pieces and with a deep-black dial with silver-coloured totalizators, this new version is a first trailblazer for further highlights that watch lovers around the world can expect in Carl F. Bucherer’s ever-growing Heritage collection in 2021.

A Modern Interpretation of a Design Classic

Carl F. Bucherer’s history starts in 1888 – the year in which Carl-Friedrich Bucherer opened his first store for watches and jewellery in Lucerne, laying the basis for the company. The past 133 years have seen many technical milestones and remarkable designs, leading to a rich archive of historic timepieces. They reflect Carl F. Bucherer’s unique heritage and provide an invaluable source of inspiration for today’s contemporary collection from the Lucerne-based watchmaker. The new version of the Heritage BiCompax Annual is another historically inspired addition to the Heritage collection. “This unique collection is our tribute to more than 13 decades of watchmaking art ‘Made of Lucerne.’ And we look forward to further expanding this line of only limited-edition timepieces in the next few months. Watch lovers should definitely keep an eye out for the all-digital edition of Watches & Wonders in April this year,” says Sascha Moeri, CEO of Carl F. Bucherer.

With this new model, Carl F. Bucherer responds to the huge waves of excitement that the first two versions of the Heritage BiCompax Annual created when launched in 2019.

“The feedback we received when we first introduced the Heritage BiCompax Annual two years ago was overwhelming. Customers and fans of the brand have been asking us ever since to let this reference live on with further variants. With the new version, we are responding to that request,” says Moeri.

From the Classic Panda Dial to the Contemporary Reversed Panda FaceAgain, an archival piece dating back to circa 1950 served as inspiration for the Heritage BiCompax. The elegant chronograph combines the vintage flair of the watch that inspired it with contemporary features, such as a 41 mm stainless-steel case. The new edition of course also features the BiCompax dial design of its retro predecessor: two symmetrically arranged silver-coloured chronograph counters are positioned on the horizontal central axis on the deep-black galvanized dial, framed by a tachymeter scale.

Thereby, the new edition of the Heritage BiCompax reverses the colour concept of the first stainless-steel model, which featured a white dial and black totalizators, also referred to as the “panda design,” making the new timepiece a so-called “reversed panda.”

Watch enthusiasts will love the black calfskin leather strap with silver-coloured stitching and the folding pin buckle, which perfectly complements the design of the dial. The new timepiece is also available on a sporty and comfortable rubber strap. The new Heritage BiCompax Annual is again limited to 888 pieces, as a nod to Carl F. Bucherer’s founding year of 1888.

Mechanical Heart

The Heritage BiCompax Annual may be reminiscent of its retro predecessor on the outside, but it is powered by an ultramodern automatic movement on the inside. The CFB 1972 calibre boasts 42 hours of power reserve, satisfying even highly demanding technical requirements. The fact that a convenient automatic movement now powers this watch is not the only modern refinement compared to the original. It also features an annual calendar and a big date display that takes the different month lengths –, 30, and 31 days – into account, which means it would only need to be corrected once a year in February.

The Heritage Collection

The Heritage collection is an ode to Carl F. Bucherer’s rich history and its roots in Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland. In this exclusive line of timepieces that are only manufactured in limited editions, unique design and traditional craftsmanship meet sophisticated complications and the finest materials.
The launch of the Heritage Tourbillon Double Peripheral in rose gold in New York in 2018 was the kick start for the Heritage collection. Ever since, Carl F. Bucherer has been further enhancing this unique collection: the very new Heritage BiCompax Annual with the “reversed panda design” joins an elegant variant in rose gold, a sporty model in stainless steel with the “panda design,” and two versions of the Heritage Tourbillon Double Peripheral available in rose gold or precious white gold. Fans of high-end watchmaking and retro design should stay tuned for the all-digital edition of Watches & Wonders in 2021, where further exciting new timepieces “Made of Lucerne” can be expected.