ReviewCarl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen – A timeless treasure on your wrist
Top Wesselton vvs diamonds, two-tone case in 18k rose gold and stainless steel; here is one of the most sought-after jewelled timepieces with the exact amount of flair and functionality that a lady would look for in her watch.
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The world of Carl F. Bucherer has always been known to create enigmatic timepieces that combine aesthetics and extravagance in extraordinary ways. Their longstanding 127-year old history in the art of fine watchmaking and jewellery making further helps the brand in manufacturing timeless treasures; jewellery in the form of watches. Watches that harness great values in terms of attention to detail and technical innovation. Though Carl F. Bucherer offers many such timepieces like the Pathos and the limited edition Swan, the Alacria specifically, deserves a place on your wrist. And while the entire collection is worthy of recognition, here we will be talking in depth about the Queen – the iconic model from the Alacria collection.
The watch, and the brand’s history as a jewellery and watch maker:
It is no coincidence that the Alacria Queen is the bearer of such an emblematic name. In fact, the Queen is a true representation of Carl F. Bucherer’s long established jewellery making and fine watchmaking expertise. The watch has been given a ‘regal’ theme along with distinctly feminine and minimalist aesthetics.
But let’s not forget that Bucherer are masters of this forte since their inception. In 1888, Carl Friedrich Bucherer opened a jewellery and watch shop in Lucerne, and his name rapidly became a synonym for quality and originality. His two sons were destined to follow him into the profession: one learned to become a watchmaker while the other trained as a goldsmith. Today, the combination of these two artistic skills is still reflected in the perfect form of watches, which are truly pieces of jewellery. As a matter of fact, Carl F. Bucherer are probably the only brand in Switzerland that truly know how to strike the perfect chord between fine jewel-making and watchmaking, and deliver the best of both.
The Case: Uniquely curved rectangular case with Top Wesselton vvs diamond-encrusted bezel
The Alacria is an example of fine workmanship, which is clearly visible in the beautiful combination of precious metals with precious stones, packaged well with one of the finest Swiss-Made movements in the world.
The rectangular two-tone case composed of stainless steel and 18k rose gold, is uniquely curved to ensure a high wearability quotient. Sized appropriately at 26.5 x 38mm with a height of 7.4mm, the Alacria Queen incorporates the perfect size for a ladies’ wrist and is a joy to wear. The combination of brushed and polished surfaces adds different facets, giving a classic appeal to its character. The beauty of the Alacria lies in the details. If you notice the crown, it is an artistic representation of the Carl F. Bucherer logo, exemplary of the brand’s focus on fine craftsmanship.
The bezel of the two-tone variation is set beautifully with 38 diamonds of the highest quality (FC, Top Wesselton, vvs, 0.6ct). The Alacria is equipped with a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating that ensures high durability.
A clean, simple and classic dial
The dial of the Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen embodies minimalism at its best. The dial is clean, devoid of any unwanted and unnecessary attributes. The 18k rose gold, applied indexes set against an ivory backdrop with a beige decorative pattern in the centre, further enhance the beauty of the simple yet classic dial. The centrally located 18k gold hour and minute hands are designed with finesse and expert craftsmanship, revealing the artistic inclination of the brand.
While the watch is primarily meant to enthral you with its gorgeous design and aesthetics, it also offers technical innovation for those who appreciate it. The Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen is powered by a CFB 1850 caliber quartz movement that ensures accurate timekeeping without any hassle.
The various attributes of the watch have been carefully balanced to ensure that neither the style, design nor outward appearance take away from the immaculate service it provides and vice versa. A truly well-balanced timepiece with the exact amount of flair and functionality that a lady would look for in her timepiece.
Variations:
Apart from the two-tone (18k rose gold & stainless steel ) variation, the Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen is offered in full gold and stainless steel versions as well. The full gold (18k yellow gold) one is particularly stunning and quite literally a piece of jewellery with its 102-diamonds encrusted bezel (FC Top Wesselton vvs 1.6 ct) and mother-of-pearl dial.
The Carl F. Bucherer Alacria Queen collection starts at Rs 124,000 and is available exclusively in India at Ethos Watch Boutiques.
Discover all 14 variations of the Alacria Queen:
Discover the entire Alacria collection here
Any reference to the Alacria collection is incomplete without mentioning the Alacria Swan, an exceptionally stunning limited edition (88 pieces to be exact) pièce de résistance, with 1,300 hand-encrusted diamonds set on an 18k white gold case and bracelet. Want to know more? Read the full review here.
About The Brand:
The history and development of the Lucerne-based watch brand are closely linked to the person of Carl Friedrich Bucherer. A visionary who created timepieces that moved with the times, in the truest sense, always combining extravagance and aesthetic appeal in extraordinary ways.
In 1888, Carl Friedrich Bucherer opened a jewelry and watch shop in Lucerne, and his name rapidly became a synonym for quality and originality. His two sons were destined from the cradle to follow him into the profession: one learned to become a watchmaker while the other trained as a goldsmith. Today, the combination of these two artistic skills is still reflected in the perfect form of watches, which are truly pieces of jewelry.
What is your favourite jewellery timepiece? Do you prefer jewellery to watches? Let us know in the comments section below.
