Retro Revisited : The Heritage BiCompax Annual

The latest addition to the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage collection is not just a look back at the watchmaker’s own history, but also an ode to the zeitgeist of the 1950s – in a decidedly modern package.

The Heritage BiCompax Annual combines timeless design with contemporary sophis- tication – a watch born of more than 130 years of style and savoir faire. The Lucerne-based watchmaker has launched this chronograph – featuring a large date display, an annual cal- endar, and a distinctive BiCompax dial design – in two exclusive versions, each limited to 888 pieces.

An Era That Left Its Mark

For design fans and vintage-lovers, 1956 was a true banner year, giving us the Saarinen Tulip Chair and Eames Lounge Chair, Grace Kelly’s wedding dress and Elvis Presley’s first number one hit. Meanwhile, Switzerland was also celebrating a premiere of its own: it was around this time that Carl F. Bucherer intro- duced a chronograph with a design that was ahead of its time. The curved lines of the delicate 34 mm case combined with the elongated chronograph push buttons gave the watch a sporty look, while gold plating added a touch of elegance. The symmetrical BiCompax dial design, dominated by subdials on the left and right side of the longitudinal axis, has stood the test of time. This piece from the Carl F. Bucherer archives served the watchmakers as the inspiration for the Heritage BiCompax Annual – a modern reinterpretation of the original classic.

Classic Case Design Meets Modern Mechanics

The new Heritage BiCompax Annual has adopted the elegant shape of its predecessor, but in a modern 41 mm diameter stainless steel case. It is available in two versions, each limited to just 888 pieces – a tribute to the founding year of the Lucerne company with the long-standing tradition in 1888. Modern and pure, the stainless steel model boasts a silver dial, black totalizators, and a structured rubber strap. The bicolor model features a rose-and-champagne dial with the bezel, push buttons, and crown crafted from precious 18 k rose gold – a subtle nod to the baroque opulence of Lucerne. This exquisite horological package fastens to the wrist with a cognac brown calfskin strap.

An Old Soul with a Young Heart

Both watches are powered by the sophisticated CFB 1972 caliber automatic movement, which boasts 42 hours of power reserve. In addition to chronograph functionality, the watch also features an annual calendar that displays a large date above the center and the month between 4 and 5 o’clock. Just like its predecessor, the reinterpreted timepiece has a characteristic BiCompax display and tachymeter scale in a harmonious typeface. A successful combination of modern and vintage elements, the Heritage BiCompax Annual highlights the watchmaking finesse of Carl F. Bucherer, making it a worthy addition to the new Heritage collection.

Ode to a Rich Heritage

The Carl F. Bucherer Heritage line was launched in New York just last year. It is a tribute to both the multi- faceted tradition of the Swiss watchmaker and Carl F. Bucherer’s roots in Lucerne. The ever-expanding Heritage collection consists of exclusive, limited-edition timepieces that unite unique design with more than 130 years of “Made of Lucerne” watchmaking tradition and craftsmanship. With refined complications and precious materials, these extraordinary wristwatches are bound to stand the test of time.