Carl F Bucherer creates a classic motoring timepiece inspired by a family car with a fascinating history
Classic cars, like fine timepieces, are items to be treasured and enjoyed by several generations. However, some have a more storied and remarkable history than most. In the case of Carl Eduard Bucherer, the son of the founder of Swiss watch company Carl F Bucherer, it starts with a handsome Lincoln Cosmopolitan Town Sedan, a classic of American motoring design.
After it was sold in 1952, the beloved family vehicle changed hands several times. In a twist of fate Carl Eduard’s son Jörg, now the Bucherer Group’s chairman and sole owner, was able to buy it back in 2013 and restore it to its former glory. To celebrate this extraordinary journey the watchmaker has created a special timepiece, limited to 188 pieces, that pays tribute to both the car and its rightful home of Lucerne, Switzerland.
This sophisticated chronograph is certainly worthy of the most elegant of road trips, with its vintage-influenced silver dial featuring contrasting blue counters and a tachymeter scale that recalls the colour of the original car. The balanced design subtly incorporates further functionality in the form of the month indication between 4 and 5 o’clock, as well as a big date window at 12 o’clock.
Adding to the heritage feel is the choice of straps that can be switched with ease thanks to the quick release system. These include a calfskin leather option, as well as a dressier multi-link Milanese stainless-steel bracelet. Like the car that inspired it, the watch comes powered by some well-tuned engineering in the CFB Caliber 1972, which includes an annual calendar complication accounting for different month lengths, as well as delivering a power reserve of 42 hours.
