The Appealing Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual Gets a Stylish Grey Option

First released in 2019, the Heritage BiCompax Annual quickly became a best-selling watch for Carl F. Bucherer. Merging retro design elements with modern complications and practicality, it is one of the very few timepieces on the market to combine a chronograph and an annual calendar – something you’d imagine only Patek is capable of manufacturing… After multiple editions (Panda, Two-Tone, Reversed Panda, Gradient) it now comes back in a new, sleek and almost monochromatic version for 2024.

Reminder. The Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual was first introduced at Baselworld 2019 and made quite an impression. First, the design, inspired by 1950s watches made by CFB, was quite spot-on. Elegant, well-proportioned, full of charm. Next, the movement, despite being based on an outsourced ébauche, had a few tricks under its sleeve. On top of its chronograph is an annual calendar, also known as the best compromise between complexity, reliability and practicality. Last, the price remains for considering what you’ll get in return.

Without changing the base that we’ve explained on multiple occasions – go here for all the details about the watch – Carl F. Bucherer once again expands its Heritage BiCompax Annual collection with a new edition in a subdued colour scheme. As for the case, no changes as we stick to a 41mm diameter, a thickness of 14.15mm (you have to pack a lot of functions here…), a steel base that’s brushed with polished accents and elegant rectangular pushers. Sapphire crystals sit on both sides of the watch.

What’s new then is the dial. The display and overall style remain identical, with a well-balanced integration of all functions – hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 3 o’clock, a chronograph with central seconds and a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock and an annual calendar with only the necessary indications; a large date at 12 o’clock and a month indication at 4:30. There’s also a tachymeter scale around the dial and stylized black Arabic numerals to mark the hours. And all of that lives happily on the dial without feeling overloaded. For 2024, the dial is here presented in silver opaline with rhodium-plated counters and blackened syringe hands.

Under the sapphire back is the calibre CFB 1972, an automatic ETA-based (2894) chronograph base movement with an extra annual calendar module and a power reserve of 42 hours. The decoration is pleasing and a dedicated rotor adds a touch of exclusivity.

Complementing its discreet, monochromatic look, this new edition of the Heritage BiCompax Annual is worn on a light grey vegan nubuck strap closed by a pin-lock folding clasp, and a retro-styled multi-link stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp is also included. Both are equipped with a quick exchange system. 

A limited edition of 888 pieces, this new grey edition of the Carl F. Bucherer Heritage BiCompax Annual is priced at EUR 8,900. For more details, please visit www.carl-f-bucherer.com.