Lucerne-based Carl F. Bucherer is one of the few independent Swiss horology players that has been churning out some of the finest watches in the industry, without being associated with any large conglomerate. In fact, it’s this independence that has given it the creative freedom to manufacture watches are that are truly reflective of its haute horlogerie DNA. One fine example is the Manero Flyback chronograph—first launched in 2016, in a generous 43mm case size, which was an instant hit with watch lovers, the world over.

In the fine watchmaking segment, a ‘flyback’ function is not an easy feat to incorporate in a timepiece and usually comes under the realm of a ‘super-complication’ owing to the expertise required in the execution. After all, one doesn’t need to press the chronograph pushers thrice in order to stop, reset, and restart—combining these three steps into one. So, the chronograph functions do not come to a halt while the user tries to measure multiple events simultaneously. In fact, flyback chronographs date back to the 1930s and were popularised by the aviation industry as they served as important tools for professional pilots, especially during the World War II (1939 – 1945). Later, they became an essential part of motor racing as they helped drivers to time laps during practice sessions or while on the circuit. And today, they continue to hold pride of place, beguiling enthusiasts with their evolution.

Keeping up with this, Carl F. Bucherer has revamped its Manero Flyback collection, launched six years ago, and the most noticeable feature here is the reduced case size—now at 40mm. While the predecessors had a more classic design aesthetic, the new watches exude a sporty, chic and fun vibe, making them apt for everyday wear. And they stand out for the distinctive colourways—five to be precise—each one presented on a sustainable textile strap whose colour matches that of the sub-dial. MW India got to see these timepieces in person recently and here’s what we think.

Spoilt For Choice

The new Manero Flyback Chronographs stand out for their contemporary sports-watch aesthetic and are available in five different colours: blue, green, red, white, and black.

These 40mm stainless steel timepieces have coloured sub-dials and matching sustainable straps, and are perfect travel companions for those who prefer the road less taken. “The 43mm Manero Flyback was a tremendous success. Listening to our global clientele—men and women—we decided to launch a complementary 40mm version. It’s a perfect way to engage with a younger, cooler audience with a conscious mindset who love minimalism with a great design. The collection resonates with what our young audience expects from a contemporary timepiece and an equally modern watchmaker,” says Uwe Liebminger, CMO, Carl F. Bucherer in an official statement released by the brand, and is certain that the new timepieces will attract cosmopolitan men and women who are ever-mindful of the world around them.

To capture the essence of these watches, the brand has entrusted Hannes Becker, a renowned nature photographer, who has created striking landscapes that represent each of the five hues in the brand’s new Manero Flyback collection. The colors that inspired the photographer include the green of the rolling fields of the Emmental, the deep red of the impressive mountain range of the Berner Oberland before dusk, the changing shades of blue of Lake Lucerne, the black and dramatic rock surface of the Grimselregion, and the eternal whiteness of the Aletsch glacier. “It was a conscious decision to stay in Switzerland in order to keep the carbon footprint at a minimum. Hannes Becker is a young and extremely talented guy with an impressive attitude. He’s well-travelled and his work and achievements are amazing, all of which makes him a perfect match for our brand, particularly in the context of the Manero Flyback 40mm launch,” explains Liebminger.

Attention To Detail

The brand has executed this with utmost finesse. Instead of choosing to go with dials, fully soaked in these hues, they have chosen to just keep the recessed sub-dials in these colours for the red, green, and blue variants.

This also enhances the details on them. For the black and white versions, however, the entire dial including the recessed sub-dials are in the same hues, making them entirely uniform since the brand says they are the ‘yin and yang’ of the collection. The dials for both versions are sunray-brushed with gold-plated wedge indexes and hands that add a touch of sophistication. 

And inside the sturdy steel cases beats the automatic Calibre CFB 1973, an in-house mechanical movement that delivers superb chronograph performance, beats at a frequency of 28,800vph, and can keep the watch ticking for at least 56 hours. Along with central hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hands, the dial features a date aperture at 6 o’clock and the chronograph counters positioned at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock. The functions are controlled by pump-style pushers on the case side at 2 o’clock and 4 o’clock respectively. On turning over the watch, one gets a glimpse of the movement, through the exhibition caseback, protected by a sapphire crystal that makes it water-resistant to 30m. The matching recycled (vegan) straps add to the charm of these timepieces that are highly versatile and are meant for individuals who like to own their style.

All five variants are priced at Rs. 6.5 lakh.

Images: Carl F. Bucherer