Carl F. Bucherer founded in Lucerne since 1888, as a modest Swiss family business has grown into the internationally renowned Bucherer brand with its own worldwide chain of stores and it remains a family-owned business since then. In homage to founder Carl Friedrich Bucherer, the manufacturing brand of the same name was repositioned in 2001. Watches and their movements are developed and manufactured in the company’s own workshops in Switzerland.
This new diver's watch presented at Baselworld 2014 is a perfect example of the rich history and craftsmanship from this manufacture. Fitted with a robust and very solid case in stainless steel measuring 44.6 mm in diameter and 13.5 mm in thickness, the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi ScubaTec watch ref. 00.10632.23.33.21 is available in different metal combinations, straps and dials. While the stainless steel version is available in black or white dial with matching bracelet or rubber strap, the stainless steel and 18K rose gold bezel model, is available with a white or a blue dial. On this post, we are focusing on our favorite combination that features a stainless steel case, an 18K rose gold bezel with ceramic and a black rubber strap.
The beautifully designed dial features a high gloss and matte texturized pattern that ensures fast and accurate readability with applied raised markers fitted with super-luminova, that glow light blue under dark environments. The 18K rose gold bezel features a combination of black and blue ceramic with a very solid construction and with a robust teethed edge that is very easy to grip. The unidirectional bezel rotates only in counterclockwise direction and the luminous dot at 12 o'clock glows strong in the dark. The distinctive design of the Patravi ScubaTec leaves no doubt about its function as a diving watch. The glowing blue markers are emblematic of the sea, as are the markings on the first quarter of the bezel and the notch of the same color on the big and robust 18K rose gold crown. Protected by a 4 mm thick sapphire crystal, this diver's watch is rated to a depth of 500 meters. To make matters even more serious, the watch is fitted with a helium-release valve on the case band at 8 o'clock.
This new watch is fitted with a solid case back that also features extraordinary design with a pair of two manta rays in relief. This nice and thick case back is the perfect guardian for the automatic calibre inside this watch. The beating heart inside this watch, is the Carl F. Bucherer calibre CFB 1950.1 —officially certified chronometer— with 25/26 jewels and which provides a power reserve of 38 hours when fully wound.
Whether you decide to go with the rubber strap model or with the bracelet one, you will be happy to know that both of them feature a practical and easy to use diver's extension —in order to wear the watch over a wet suit— as well as a push-and-slide micro-adjustment on the nice and solid deployant clasp. The rubber composite on this thick black rubber strap is quite malleable, soft to the touch and extremely comfortable.
On the wrist, the watch wears very nice and slightly larger than its actual size and more like a 45 to 46 mm case if you have a 7.25" wrist circumference. While we have witnessed many new watches featuring blue dials this Baselworld 2014, the hue of blue that Carl F. Bucherer chose for this watch is one of our favorites.
Even though when this is a very sporty timepiece, we feel that the stainless steel and 18K rose gold model ref. 00.10632.24.23.01 or 00.10632.24.53.01 brings the watch a step above making it an easy fit for any type of outfit. Whether you are walking down the streets of New York City in your bespoke suit or just strolling down the beaches of the Riviera Maya, this watch won't make you look out of style or out place.
Sticker Price $8,900 USD. For more info on Carl F. Bucherer click here.
