ReviewColour Context: Introducing The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback Chronograph In Five Alluring Hues

Since their establishment in 1888, Carl F. Bucherer have been one of the few independent players that have pioneered horological innovation while continuing to be the flag bearers of creativity, dynamism, and entrepreneurial independence, fuelled by a free spirit—the founding principles of the brand—which have been passed on through generations. In fact, it’s this autonomy, which has ensured that Carl F. Bucherer are able to manufacture timepieces that are reflective of their fine watchmaking ethos. One fine example is the Manero Flyback chronograph—first launched in 2016, in a generous 43mm case size, which captivated watch enthusiasts, all over the globe. While the watch looked fairly simple and elegant with two sub-dials—at three and nine o’clock; in the haute horlogerie universe, a flyback function is usually not an easy feat to accomplish. In fact, it is regarded as a ‘super-complication’ owing to the extreme technicality involved in assembling and equipping a watch movement with this function. Here, one doesn’t need to press the chronograph pushers thrice in order to stop, reset, and restart—combining these three steps into one. So, the chronograph functions do not come to a halt while the user tries to measure multiple events simultaneously. In fact, flyback chronographs gained popularity in the 1930s, thanks to the aviation industry as they served as important tools for professional pilots, especially during the World War II (1939 – 1945). Gradually, they found their way on to land as they became integral to motor racing, and helped the drivers to time their laps during practice sessions or whilst in the midst of a professional event. And today, they continue to grace ultra-complicated timepieces, while letting the mechanism and its functionality do the talking.

Keeping up with the evolution of this function, Carl F. Bucherer revamped their Manero Flyback collection, last year, and the most noticeable features are the reduced case size—now at 40mm, and a an option of five alluring dial hues. While the predecessors had a more classic appeal, the new watches exude a sporty, chic, and contemporary aesthetic—making them perfect for everyday wear. Here, each watch is presented on a sustainable textile strap, whose colour matches that of the sub-dial. However, the brand has executed this in a slightly different manner; instead of going with dials, fully soaked in these hues, they have chosen to simply keep the recessed sub-dials in these colours for the red, green, and blue variants. This also comes at a time when most brands are choosing to release a particular watch or collection in ‘coloured-dial’ options rather than first launching the monochrome versions, and subsequently adding coloured references to the pack. Let’s take a closer look.

Carl F. Bucherer revamped their Manero Flyback collection, last year, and the most noticeable features are the reduced case size—now at 40mm, and a an option of five alluring dial hues

Distinctive Colourways And Choices

The new Manero Flyback Chronographs stand out for their contemporary sports-watch aesthetic and are available in five different colours: blue, green, red, white, and black. These 40mm stainless steel timepieces have coloured sub-dials and matching sustainable straps, and are perfect travel companions for those who prefer the road less taken. “The 43mm Manero Flyback was a tremendous success. Listening to our global clientele—men and women—we decided to launch a complementary 40mm version. It’s a perfect way to engage with a younger, cooler audience with a conscious mindset who love minimalism with a great design. The collection resonates with what our young audience expects from a contemporary timepiece and an equally modern watchmaker,” says Uwe Liebminger, CMO, Carl F. Bucherer in an official statement released by the brand, and is certain that the new timepieces will attract cosmopolitan men and women who are ever-mindful of the world around them.

Featured here is the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback 40mm chronograph in blue, presented on a matching, sustainable textile strap

Each hue is inspired by the gorgeous landscapes of Switzerland, just like the blue colour here is a reflection of the changing shades of water of Lake Lucerne

Carl F. Bucherer Manero

₹7,19,712

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To capture the essence of these watches, the brand has entrusted Hannes Becker, a renowned nature photographer, who has created striking landscapes that represent each of the five hues in the brand’s new Manero Flyback collection. The colours that inspired the photographer include the verdant hues of the lush, rolling fields of the Emmental Valley, the deep red of the impressive mountain range of the Berner Oberland before dusk, the changing shades of blue of Lake Lucerne, the black and dramatic rocky surface of the Grimsel region, and the pristine white hues of the Aletsch glacier. “It was a conscious decision to stay in Switzerland in order to keep the carbon footprint at a minimum. Hannes Becker is a young and extremely talented guy with an impressive attitude. He’s well-travelled and his work and achievements are amazing, all of which makes him a perfect match for our brand, particularly in the context of the Manero Flyback 40mm launch,” explains Liebminger.

Carl F. Bucherer Manero Explore the Collection

A Modern-Day Reinterpretation Of A Classic

While the three variants—red, green, and blue—showcase the sub-dials in the respective hues, adding that much-needed pop of colour; it’s not to say that the black and the white versions are boring in any manner. Here, the entire dial including the recessed sub-dials are in the same hues, making them entirely uniform since according to the brand, they are the ‘yin and yang’ of the collection. The dials for both versions are sunray-brushed with gold-plated wedge indexes and hands that add a touch of sophistication.

Carl F. Bucherer Manero

₹7,19,712

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And inside the sturdy steel cases beats the automatic Calibre CFB 1973, an in-house mechanical movement that delivers superb chronograph performance, beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, and can keep the watch ticking for at least 56 hours. Along with central hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands, the dial features a date aperture at six o’clock, and the chronograph counters positioned at three and nine o’clock. The functions are controlled by pump-style pushers on the case side at two o’clock and four o’clock respectively. On turning over the watch, one gets a glimpse of the movement, through the exhibition caseback, protected by a sapphire crystal that makes it water-resistant to 30m. The matching recycled (vegan) straps add to the charm of these timepieces that are highly versatile and are meant for individuals who know exactly what they want—a stylish, fresh take on an elegant timekeeper without compromising on the technical aspect of fine watchmaking.