This year, Carl F. Bucherer have introduced two new limited-edition versions of the Manero PowerReserve, with blue and green dials. The Manero PowerReserve was first presented in 2013, in the classical colour schemes, silver and black. The two new blue and green pieces are enhanced by the leather straps in colours matching the dials, and the degradé dial finish, with colour lighter at the centre.
Unusual dial layout
Carl F. Bucherer have succeeded in balancing an asymmetric dial, with power reserve indicator on the right, day on the left, with big date above and small seconds at 6 o’clock. The big date is bordered with a curving line, another unusual feature. The overall effect is a somewhat quirky dial, but very legible. I personally look at my watch as often to see the date as the time, and so a big date is a great help. The power reserve indicator is an interesting feature, and helps the user keep the watch in a state of winding that ensures maximum precision.
Case and strap
The case is 42.5 mm in diameter, 12.54 mm thick, in stainless steel, with an attractive differentiation between brushed and polished finish. The smoothly sweeping caseband and lugs make for a comfortable watch. The alligator leather strap has a folding clasp with pin lock, for easy adjustment and practical use. The clasp, like the crown, bears the Bucherer logo. The watchglass is domed. Water resistance is the standard 3 atm, 30 metres.
Movement
The real talking point of the Manero PowerReserve is the movement, visible through the sapphire caseback. The CFB 1011 calibre was developed in-house, and it is based on the CFB A1000, Carl F. Bucherer’s first in-house movement created in 2008 after the brand purchased movement development company Techniques Horlogères Appliquées SA in 2007, after having worked with them for over ten years. CFB 1011 has a very high-tech appearance, with a design based on diagonals and contrasting relief and inset areas, highlighted by different metal finishes.
The most outstanding feature is the peripheral rotor which leaves everything else in view. It is mounted on DLC-coated rollers and ceramic ball bearings, a system that does not require lubrication. It’s a fine piece of micro-engineering, and I would guess that the peripheral rotor arrangement, without a central pivot, reduces wear and increases the life of the watch.
The balance has an innovative regulation system, the Cental Dual Adjusting System, which I presume facilitates regulation using the screw that you can see between the two arms over the balance spring. The balance runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour, 3 Hertz, and the mainspring provides a power reserve of 55 hours. Another feature of the movement is the patented shock absorbing system called Dynamic Shock Absorption that ensures maximum reliability.
Price of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero PowerReserve
These two editions, 00.10912.08.53.01 (blue dial), and 00.10912.08.93.01 (green dial), both limited to 188 pieces, cost 9,400 Swiss francs, $11,000. Further information from the Carl F. Bucherer website.
