The Low-Down

“Customers and fans of the brand have been asking us ever since the first Heritage BiCompax Annual was introduced two years ago to let this reference live on with further variants. With the new version, we are responding to that request,” says Sascha Moeri, CEO of Carl F. Bucherer.

The latest addition to the collection takes its inspiration from a design from 1956 and this time comes with a steel case and jet black “reversed panda” dial with white Bi-Compax dials. A reversed panda dial turns the traditional Panda dial on its head, so to speak, by offering white Bi-Compax dials instead of black.

Limited to 888 pieces – the founding year of the brand in 1888 – the new Heritage Bi-Compax Annual features elegant syringe-shaped hands enhanced with a touch of luminescence for optimal reading in low light.

All the Heritage Bi-Compax Annual models run on the automatic chronograph calibre CFB 1972 (an ETA-based 2894 chronograph base movement) that comes with a 42-hour power reserve. The movement indicates the hours and minutes in the center.

There’s a big date at 12 o’clock (which only requires alteration every four years on the 29th of February) and the month is to be found between the Roman numerals four and five.

IMHO

This new edition retains the same ideally sized 41mm case, with its brushed surfaces and polished accents on the thin bezel and on the side of the lugs. The watch also features distinct retro hallmarks including the Arabic numeral font, its sleek rectangular pushers and a double-domed sapphire crystal.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the all-digital edition of Watches & Wonders next month (April 7-13) because Carl F. Bucherer has plans to expand on the Heritage line still further with more limited-edition pieces including the most complicated piece in Carl F. Bucherer history. The idea behind the new line-up is to reflect the best of watchmaking in Lucerne, from where Carl F. Bucherer is based. Other variations in the Heritage collection already include the stunning salmon pink dial version and the original true Panda.

Technical Specs

Case: 41mm

Dial: Black “reversed panda” dial with silver-colored sub-dials

Movement: CFB 1972 automatic (modified base ETA 2894) chronograph

Strap: Calfskin leather strap or rubber strap with stainless-steel folding pin buckle

Limited to: 888 pieces

Price: USD 7,200