The New Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral BigDate

Although it didn’t invent it and isn’t the only brand that uses this technical solution, Carl F. Bucherer and peripheral winding movements are practically synonymous. Since 2009 and the introduction of the calibre A1000, peripheral rotors are Carl F. Bucherer’s visiting card. Since then, the Lucerne-based, family-owned brand has pushed the envelope on peripheral technology and produced a staggering Manero Minute Repeater with not one but three peripheral rotors. Returning to more reasonable, everyday proposals with the brand’s hallmark peripheral technology is the latest release of two Manero watches with big date, small seconds, day of the week and a power reserve indicator set against beautiful light blue or grey dials.

As the brand credited for introducing peripheral technology to modern serial production, CFB has used the peripheral rotor for everything from straightforward time-and-date watches to a fascinating tourbillon with two peripheral rotors and, as mentioned, the minute repeater released in April 2021. While the retro-styled Flyback chronograph might be one of the most popular models in the Manero collection, they are not powered by peripheral rotors.

The beauty of peripheral rotors that are mounted around the movement, not in its centre, is, as Xavier explains in this in-depth article, two-fold: they provide an unobstructed view of the movement and allow for thinner cases. Looking at the website today, the only models with this technology in the Manero family, besides the complicated tourbillon and minute repeater, are the dressy Manero Peripheral 40.6mm and 43m time-and-date models and the 42.5mm Manero Power Reserve. Although the latest BigDate Maneros share features with the Manero Power Reserves, including the layout of the functions, these Manero Peripheral BigDate are smaller, less sporty and equipped with a chronometer-certified engine.

Light Blue and Dark Grey Dials

The new Manero Peripheral BigDate models come in 41.6mm stainless steel cases with a thickness of 12.1mm. The finishings are refined with a brightly polished bezel and wide bevels and satin-brushed lugs and case flanks. Available with a light blue or dark grey dial with a radiant circular-brushed finishing, both models highlight the functions with darker background colours. Although the functions are identical to those found on the Power Reserve and laid out in the same positions, they are far more subtle, giving this watch a dressier, more elegant appeal. A simple arc with white markings represents the power reserve indicator that descends in width as the power depletes. In both models, the indicator matches the colour of the dial. At 6 o’clock, and picked out in beige on the light blue dial and in olive green on the grey dial, is an aperture for the small seconds counter with a snailed background. The day of the week at 9 o’clock and the big date window at 10 o’clock are displayed in rectangular apertures and reveal a beige or olive green background. A thin bar separates the two numerals of the big date window.

A common denominator of the Manero family, the dagger-shaped, rhodium-plated indices are faceted and applied to the dial, with double indices at noon. The Dauphine hands, which are also faceted, have sharp tips, and the minutes hand lands precisely on the minutes track. Unlike the Power Reserve, there is not a trace of lume on the dial, a choice that elevates the dressier appeal of the BigDate.

Both models are accompanied by either a stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp or a textile strap matching the colour of the sub-dials. Fitted with a domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides to enhance legibility, the caseback has a sapphire crystal to view the movement.

Calibre CFB A2011

The automatic calibre with a peripheral oscillating mass powering the functions is CFB A2011, a derivation of CFB’s second-generation base A2000 movement launched in 2016 and introduced on the Manero Peripheral. Measuring 30.60mm with a lean height of 6.3mm, the peripheral rotor is mounted on ceramic ball bearings and can swing in either direction, generating up to 55 hours of power reserve. Beating at 28,800vph/4Hz, the movement is certified as a COSC chronometer. The architecture of the movement is modern, with sharp angles and Geneva stripes on the bridges and balance cocks.

Price

The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Peripheral BigDate, in either dial colour, retails for EUR 8,100 on a textile strap and EUR 8,550 on a stainless steel bracelet.

For more information, please consult carl-f-bucherer.com.