Carl F. Bucherer celebrates the long-standing friendship between the two countries with a rare special edition of the popular chronograph. The new story spun in blue also further enhances the appeal of the watch.
“Royal blue that reminds us of the sky and the sea”
Heritage Bycompax Annual Japan
The first treaty of amity and commerce between Japan and the Swiss Confederation was signed on February 6, 1864, at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, during the reign of the 14th shogun, Tokugawa Ieshige. This year marks its 160th anniversary. Speaking of the 1860s, it is also known that the Swiss who came to Japan opened the beginning of imports through the introduction of Swiss watches, and as history shows, the two countries have built strong ties to the present day.
In honor of the long-standing friendship between Switzerland and Japan, the long-established Swiss brand Carl F. Bucherer has unveiled this special commemorative limited edition model. It is based on the Heritage Bicompax Annual, a representative chronograph that has long been popular among watch lovers. It is an extremely rare and outstanding model among the many chronographs of today, combining not only the vintage-flavored Bicompax design inspired by Bucherer’s classic masterpiece made in 1956, but also the modern functions of a convenient annual calendar that requires only one date correction once a year and a highly visible big date display.
This “Heritage Bicompax Annual Japan” is an even rarer model in that only 88 pieces are manufactured and sold exclusively in Japan. The biggest feature is the blue coloring. In fact, the face of this chronograph is dominated by two breezy blue sub-dials against a silver-finished white main dial and surrounded by a blue flange with a tachymeter scale. This blue, which is a favorite of Japan, has various thoughts and is hidden in the fact that it forms a single story.
The blue×white livery is exactly the same as the state flag of Lucerne, where Carl F. Bucherer was founded, and the blue symbolizes the beautiful waters of the scenic Lake Lucerne and the sky above the mountains represented by Pilatus and Rigi. Blue also symbolizes the color of the ocean that spread out before the eyes of the Swiss who came all the way across the sea to Japan at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. The two symmetrical sub-dials are a testament to the friendship between Switzerland and Japan. The blue also extends to the sides of the leather strap, which can be easily replaced by a quick-release system.
In addition to function and design, the background and special story are also important elements for watch lovers. A special commemorative limited edition model celebrating the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will definitely be a good opportunity to discover such pleasures.
Carl F. Bucherer
Heritage Bycompax Annual Japan
Bicompax refers to a chronograph with a so-called two-lens design with two dials, a small seconds and an totalizer, and is a style that was often seen in hand-wound models in the 1950s. The shape of the pushpiece, which was widely used at the time, and the indexes with Arabic numerals also have a strong vintage feel. Automatic winding. Stainless steel, case diameter 41 mm, water resistant to 3 ATM. Comes with a black calf leather strap (photo right). Limited to Japan 88 pieces. 1,485,000 yen.
The CFB1972 of the automatic movement can be seen through the see-through back. The quick-release system makes it easy to swap out the metal bracelet from the included calf leather strap.
The pushpiece has a square design that reflects the style of yesteryear, and the logo is engraved on the crown top.
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Inquiries = Swiss Prime Brands Tel.03-6226-4650
Text=Shigeru Sugawara Photo=Shoichi Kondo Styling=Hidetoshi Nakakara
