Hands-On – The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback – A Slightly Vintage Chronograph with Nice Column-Wheel Movement

Part of the high-end collection, the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback has been first introduced in 2016, as the refined and technically advanced chronograph of the brand (which also comprises sporty and bold chronos). Rounded lines, bi-compax display for a vintage feel, balanced dial with precious finishes, a nice automatic chronograph with flyback function and actuated by column-wheel, the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback is pretty interesting. This year, at Baselworld 2017, the brand enlarges the collection with colored dials, with gold and steel offers.

The chronograph, this complication that allows the measurement of short periods of time (or not that short, depending on the display used), is usually referring to the idea of a sports watch. Yet, this complication is so sought-after that it has seen many dressier variations, something that pretty well suits our needs, here at Monochrome. In fact, this is exactly what the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback is: modern proportions, slightly vintage-inspired style, technically interesting movement, overall rather dressy look and nice execution of the habillage (case and dial). Introduced in 2016 in two versions, stainless steel or 18k red gold, both with silver dial, the brand enlarges the collection with statement-like colors for Baselworld 2017. Maybe not to anyone’s taste, yet a bit of color, if well balanced, can always be desirable in an industry relying mainly on black and white.

As a whole, the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback doesn’t evolve in terms of case, dial or movement. Thus, we find back a rather large but well proportioned 43mm case. The flat bezel, the tapered lugs with a nice polished chamfer, the pump pusher or the combination of satin-finshed and polished surfaces create a refined and precious watch. The construction is solid, the execution is precise, the feel on the wrist is that you have a qualitative watch for your money. Overall the Manero Flyback wears comfortably, thanks to a strap that “hug” the wrist. Yet, this also implies that on smaller wrists, the horns are pointy and exceed from the strap (see on photos, taken on a very small wrist). This effect won’t appear on larger wrists, on which the Manero Flyback will makes a stronger effect.

Dial-wise, the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback relies on known codes to create a legible and rather elegant display. Two sub-counters only, for a vintage feel, large and spaced enough on the dial, well defined tracks, for the hours, the minutes and the tachymeter scale on the periphery, with differentiating finishings, well chosen fonts and a date at 6, as a concession to modern times (some like, some don’t…) Overall, the dial of the Manero Flyback is pleasant and create a watch suitable for a business attire, even with its chronograph function.

For 2017, three new versions appear in the catalogue:

• Stainless Steel, bluish-grey dial with steel applied indexes and hands, grey alligator strap
• 18k red gold, black dial with gold indexes and hands, black alligator strap
• 18k red gold, champagne dial with gold indexes and hands, light brown alligator strap

Inside the case of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback is an interesting movement, a chronograph controlled by a column-wheel and with flyback function (the retour-en-vol, allowing to stop-reset-start the chronograph by only pressing one the pusher at 4). Based on the super-reliable 7750 movement, then highly modified by La Joux-Perret, the CFB 1970 is interesting in terms of functions and visually appealing, as most of the crucial parts are visible through the caseback (blued column-wheel, levers and gears of the chronograph). The movement is exclusive to the brand. It has an automatic winding, ticks at 4Hz and boasts 42h of power reserve. it is finished with Geneva stripes and specific rotor.

Overall, thanks to new colors, the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback gains in style and presence. What remains unchanged is a modernly-sized chronograph, elegantly designed, with classical appeal and enough technical content to please watch aficionados. Price: Euro 7,300 in steel and Euro 17,900 in gold. More details on www.carl-f-bucherer.com.

Specifications of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback

• Case: 43mm diameter x 14.45mm thickness – stainless steel or 18k red gold, polished and satin-finished – glassbox sapphire crystal on the front, sapphire crystal on the back – 30m water resistant
• Movement: Calibre CFB 1970 – automatic – 4Hz frequency – 42h power reserve – hours, minutes, small second, chronograph with flyback function, date
• Strap: alligator strap with folding clasp