10 Years of TravelTec

The Patravi TravelTec was ahead of its time when it was introduced ten years ago, with its robust case, multiple functions and bold markings. To celebrate the anniversary of the collection, Carl F. Bucherer is introducing the TravelTec II.

This newest edition has all the hallmarks of the original, including a large, sporty case, (now even larger, at 47.4mm in diameter and 15.9mm thick), and an in-house caliber. The new movement, CFB 1901.1, features a built in complication that allows the simultaneous display of three time zones, along with a chronograph function. The date can be adjusted forward or backwards for easy setting. The third time zone on this unique watch is applied to the bezel, which features a second 24-hour scale.

This unique focus on the world’s time zones and the ability to see three at a glance is embellished on the caseback, which is adorned with a time-zone sun that shows the hour differences in twenty-four cities. This is an aesthetic, rather than a functional feature. Lucerne, the home base of Carl F. Bucherer, is accented in black. It is a true sports watch, with water resistance to one hundred meters and a rubber strap that has an extension feature.

Tourbillon & chronograph

The Limited Edition Manero Tourbillon joins the new Patravi models in the lineup of pieces from Carl F. Bucherer this year that are aimed at collectors. This version, issued in 188 pieces, is dressed up with a new satin-brushed dial in a velvety brown color. The in-house manufacture movement CFB T1001 has a 70-hour power reserve. The twenty-four-hour display, date index and power reserve add function to this powerful dress watch. The wedge-shaped hour markers and tapering hours and minute hands are typical of the Manero line.

Adding to the stable of high complications is the Manero ChronoPerpetual, an exclusive piece made for the Only Watch auction, which benefits the Monaco Association Against Muscular Dystrophy. Carl F. Bucherer is among the group of elite watch brands that support this charity auction, held every two years, by donating a special timepiece that is the only one of its kind. The latest model is a combination perpetual calendar/flyback chronograph, with a white gold case and Carl F. Bucherer’s unmistakable bold, sporty style. The Perpetual Calendar function will not require correction until the year 2100, when, as in all years divisible by 100, but not by 400, one leap year will be skipped.

The auction is in November and is sponsored by Prince Albert II of Monaco. The charity was founded in 2005 by Luc Pettavino, whose son, Paul, was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a debilitating neuromuscular disease that affects one boy in every 3,500. Prince Albert has been a strong supporter of the charity, and he and Pettavino recently were awarded the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, given by the University of Bern to people who have made a mark in a particular field. Forty watch companies have already donated one-of-a-kind timepieces to this cause.