Simply Abu Dhabi XXXI

1 2 3 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I F or brands with a rich heritage, the design department must delight when it comes time to inject some retro style into a new timepiece. The Lucerne-based Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer is expanding its successful Manero Flyback collection with the new vintage rally inspired Manero Flyback. Carl F. Bucherer models from the 1960s and 1970s are the touchstone for this latest Manero Flyback watch, which features a striking combination of reverse panda colours on the dial. The bicompax display has a deep black sunray- patterned dial with silver-coloured totalisators. Given that it’s a vintage race-oriented design it’s fitting that there should be a printed chapter ring and tachymeter scale, which allows for speeds to be determined. Nifty flashes of red and white provide a slight but dynamic sporty contrast. In 2017, Carl F. Bucherer launched a global campaign with the slogan ‘Wherever time takes you, Lucerne travels with you’ and the Manero Flyback acts as a stylish ambassador for the city of Lucerne—a little piece of Switzerland for the owners of this uber cool 43mm piece. The calibre of the Manero Flyback is the highly complex CFB 1970 chronograph, which can be appreciated through the transparent sapphire-crystal case back, oscillating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour. The automatic movement has an impressive power reserve of 42 hours and features a flyback function that allows for the recording of consecutive times in quick succession. The recording of short times operates via a thermally blued gear wheel. There are no dramatic changes from previous models but the slight tweaks are incredibly effective in creating a distinctly fresh feel, and as is expected from Carl F. Bucherer, there are lots of neat little touches, including the generously sized large polished bevel running from one lug to another. The lugs themselves are voluptuous, which helps balance their length, and all flat surfaces are satin-finished and the flat bezel—another evocation of 1940s chronographs—is polished. The domed sapphire crystal and mushroom-type chronograph pushers are well matched and the retro aesthetic is finally capped with the new-style golden-brown kudu leather strap with a suede finish.