The 1960s represented a modern awakening – a revolution in fashion, technology, and culture. For Carl F. Bucherer, the decade was also a turning point: always global in outlook, the watch manufacturer was rapidly expanding internationally and introduced a progressive new aesthetic. For 2023, CFB is unveiling a contemporary, limited-edition revival of a timepiece that exemplified its approach to design in that pivotal era. Updated for modern tastes, the Heritage Chronometer Celebration is elegantly understated yet effortlessly stylish – ideal for life’s special occasions.
The connections between the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration lineup and its 1960s precursor are obvious. The simple, almost utilitarian aesthetic is deliberately restrained – a tribute to a watch that deliberately eschewed frills and excesses. The mesh bracelet and the squared-off facets of its hands and index marks are characteristically pragmatic and purposeful. The clear contrast of the hands against the dial is deliberately practical: this is a pure celebration of its precision as a COSC-certified chronometer – no complications necessary.
Utilitarian chic
Yet, while retro-futuristic in origin, the Heritage Chronometer Celebration feels fresh. The design is “cleaner,” and the profile of the watch and the crystal complement each other. The yellow gold so popular in the 1960s makes way for more on-trend colours and materials, with 18 K rose gold or stainless steel cases and bracelets. Smaller components give the bracelets a more fluid-like, less chunky appearance.
While its overall appearance is one of unadorned simplicity, the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration’s innate elegance is designed for special occasions. It is an essential accessory for those meaningful moments in life that demand the perfect finishing touch for elegant, glamorous, and stylish outfits – from milestone birthdays to weddings, cocktail parties, and walking the red carpet.
Despite its modest aesthetic, a closer inspection reveals finesse and pure craftsmanship: hands and index marks with bevelled edges that lend them a subtle three-dimensional appearance; the second hand tipped with a bright red arrow, just like in the original; the galvanized silver, black lacquered, or brown gradient lacquered dials create gently shimmering reflections; the unequivocal words “Officially Certified Chronometer” proudly communicating its accuracy.
Subtle details, hidden heritage
Finally, an extra detail known only to the wearer: a case back signaling CFB’s heritage with a 1960s-era embossed family crest featuring a swan, symbolizing Carl F. Bucherer’s hometown of Lucerne; a beech tree, representing the Bucherer family; and the date of the manufacturer’s foundation in 1888.
With the 18 K rose gold variants, with either brown or silver dials, limited to just 88 pieces each, and the stainless steel versions, with either black or silver dials, limited to just 188 pieces each, these stylish watches have been specially created to help mark CFB’s 135th anniversary year.
In recognizing the broad significance of the 1960s, the reborn Heritage Chronometer Celebration connects the brand to the past while expressing the promise of the future, articulating the brand’s pioneering spirit established by CFB’s founder, Carl Friedrich Bucherer, and evolved by each of his successors.
Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Chronometer Celebration Technical Specifications
Reference: 00.10804.03.13.21 & 00.10804.03.93.21
Movement
- Automatic, CFB 1965.1 calibre,
- Certified chronometer,
- Diameter 26.2 mm, height 3.6 mm,
- 25 jewels,
- Power reserve 42 hours
- Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds
Case
- 18 K rose gold, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side,
- Sase back with old “Bucherer” family crest,
- Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 m),
- Wiameter 39 mm, height 8.45 mm
Dial
- Silver galvanized or brown gradient lacquered dial, goldplated index marks filled with black lacquer and SuperLumiNova®
- Hands: Gold-plated hands filled with black lacquer and SuperLumiNova®
Bracelet
- 18 K rose gold mesh bracelet with quick-release system
Limitation: 88 pieces (per reference)
Reference: 00.10804.08.13.21 & 00.10804.08.33.21
Movement
- Automatic, CFB 1965.1 calibre,
- Certified chronometer,
- Diameter 26.2 mm, height 3.6 mm,
- 25 jewels,
- Power reserve 42 hours
- Functions: Date, hour, minute, seconds
Case
- Stainless steel,
- Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side,
- Case back with the old “Bucherer” family crest,
- Water-resistant to 3 bar (30 m),
- Diameter 39 mm, height 8.45 mm
Dial
- Silver galvanized or black lacquered dial,
- Rhodium-plated index marks filled with black lacquer and SuperLumiNova®.
- Hands: Rhodium-plated hands filled with black lacquer and SuperLumiNova®
Bracelet
- Stainless steel mesh bracelet with quick release system
Limitation: 188 pieces (per reference)
About Carl F. Bucherer
Carl F. Bucherer has been crafting watches since 1888 and is internationally renowned for its quality, innovation and pioneering spirit. CFB is one of only a few remaining independent and founding family-owned Swiss watch manufacturers – it is now led by third-generation family member Jörg G. Bucherer. The brand’s watches continue to evolve, combining contemporary style and advanced materials with the utmost precision and outstanding functionality.
Every timepiece produced is conceptualized, developed and hand-assembled in its own facilities in Switzerland – with many watches powered by CFB’s own movements, all designed and built entirely in-house. The brand is also the market leader in peripheral technology, having patented not only a peripheral winding system but a ‘floating tourbillon’ in a peripherally supported cage and a peripherally guided minute repeater regulator.
Since the very start, CFB has adopted an international mindset and a forward-looking attitude, exploring time through the perspectives of watch aficionados everywhere. Today, it showcases its expertise, refined over generations, with a major retail presence spanning four continents. This global network continually reminds the world what remains so special about the craft of Swiss watchmaking.