Watch Review: Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback and PowerReserve Watches 2017

Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback Chronographs

 

Family owned Swiss watch brand Carl F. Bucherer has made great inroads in the world of watches and technology. The brand offers everything from its highly coveted Patravi ScubaTec dive watch, to the classically sophisticated Manero — all made in house in the brand’s workshops.  Today we take a close-up look at its newest Manero watches that were unveiled earlier in the year in Baselworld and are making their way to stores now.

Carl F. Bucherer Manero flyback

Created in three versions that are all equally as enviable, the new Manero Flyback watches are 43mm chronographs crafted in stainless steel or in 18-karat gold. Powered by the  automatic CFB 1970 caliber with 42 hours of power reserve, the watch features a  flyback chronograph function — meaning that at the end of timing of an event, the seconds hand automatically flies back to the beginning to start again without the wearer having to press the reset button.  Equipped with a date indication at 6:00,  the Manero Flyback features raised indexes and hands, and is finished with a color-coordinated alligator strap.  Versions include 18-karat rose gold with matte black dial for classic appeal, or gold with champagne-colored galvanized dial. Our favorite,though, is the stainless steel version with beautiful blue dial and gray leather strap. What makes this one so appealing is not just the looks, but also the price: $8,700.

Impressions of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback

At 42 mm the watch is not too big on the wrist and it sits nicely under a shirt sleeve. Each of the three versions has something special about it. The black dial model is incredibly classic and elegant, while the champagne dial recalls vintage chronographs of the1950’s and 1960’s – making it highly desirable. As mentioned, we love the blue dial version with gray strap because it is particularly modern in appeal with a harmoniously balanced look.

Tech Specs of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback

Movement: automatic, CFB 1970 caliber,  25 jewels, power reserve 42 hours

Functions: chronograph: minute and second hands, Flyback; date, hour, minute, small seconds

Case: stainless steel, double-domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides, sapphire crystal case back, water-resistant to 30 m (3 atm), diameter 43 mm, thickness 14.45 mm

Strap: Louisiana alligator leather, stainless steel pin lock folding clasp

Carl F. Bucherer Manero PowerReserve

Also new this year are the incredibly alluring Carl F. Bucherer Manero PowerReserve watches — presented with boldly arresting blue or pine green galvanized dials that are guaranteed to get attention from across  a crowded boardroom. The two new limited edition Manero PowerReserve watches feature dials that are darker on the outer edges and lighten up as the eye moves to the center of the dial.  The dial also features an analog power reserve indicator that is visually balance on the dial with the digital week display at 9:00.

Powered by the CFB A1011 automatic movement with 55 hours of reserve, the 42.5mm watches are  crafted in stainless steel with a domed sapphire crystal. Water resistant to 30 meters, these new color dial versions join the existing silver and black dial Manero PowerReserves already on the market. Just 188 pieces will be made of each color, so hurry to get yours. The retail price of these beauties: $11,000.

Impressions of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero PowerReserve

I couldn’t get enough of this watch. I looked for something to not like about it  and just couldn’t find anything. The colors are superb,, and the gradiated shades on the dial are arresting. Even the calfskin strap is magnificent in that it matches the dial exactly and is super comfortable on the wrist. I love the way the dial also offers a tour around it by having the seconds subdial at 6:00, the day of the week at 9:00 and the date at 11:00. This balances nicely with the power reserve indicator at 3:00. My favorite: the blue one.

Tech Specs of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero PowerReserve

Movement: automatic, CFB 1011 caliber, 33 jewels, power reserve 55 hours

Functions: power reserve, big date, day of the week, hour, minute, small seconds

Case: stainless steel, domed sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides, sapphire crystal case back, water-resistant to 30 m (3 atm), diameter 42.5 mm, thickness 12.54 mm

Strap: calfskin, stainless steel pin lock folding clasp

Limited edition: 188 pieces