Manero Tourbillon epitomises Carl F. Bucherer’s horological mastery

The 2016 Manero Tourbillon limited edition introduces a sophisticated variation crafted in 18 karat white gold and red gold accents, produced in a series of 188 pieces

Since its invention in the latter years of the 18th century, the tourbillon has represented one of the greatest technical challenges in the art of watchmaking. When Swiss watch manufacturer Carl F. Bucherer introduced its first Tourbillon in 2013, the traditional brand from Lucerne reinforced its watchmaking mastery and reputation for horological excellence. Now, a new 2016 Manero Tourbillon limited edition carries on the superb performance and classic styling of the original model.

For many years, wristwatches were subject to the negative effects of gravity on the balance wheel, as varying movements of the wearer’s wrist caused the balance wheel to speed up or slow down. A tourbillon is designed to offset these gravitational effects by placing the balance wheel within a specially engineered rotating cage. In this format, the balance wheel and cage orbit independently to maintain consistently accurate timekeeping.

Crafting a tourbillon-driven movement stands as a benchmark of watchmaking achievement, one that Carl F. Bucherer has mastered in the Manero Tourbillon. The brand’s own manufacture movement integrates this groundbreaking complication seamlessly, contained within a distinctly classical-style Manero watch. The new Limited Edition for 2016 introduces an 18 karat white gold case for the first time, accented with gold-toned hands and indexes in contrast to a deep-black dial.

The timepiece radiates sophistication and technical prowess in an elegant 41.8 MM diameter case made of 18 karat white gold. The dynamic motion of the tourbillon takes centre stage on the dial, displayed prominently through a round cutout at 6 o’clock. At 9 o’clock, the power reserve indicator provides a reading of remaining power, an average of 70 hours of consistent performance delivered by the in-house manufacture movement, the CFBT1001.

Essential indicators incorporate seamlessly into the refined design of the Manero Tourbillon, including a 24-hour display at 12 o’clock and a third-hand date display. The date numerals that surround the bezel rotate alignment at 3 and 9 o’clock for an intuitive and legible reading of the date. A domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides reveals a flawless view of the Manero Tourbillon’s dial, while the case back of sapphire crystal allows a view of the CFBT1001 manufacture movement in action.

Contemporary elements complement the tourbillon’s technical complexity. The unified and graceful design includes the bold writing in Carl F. Bucherer’s trademark style, along with gold-toned wedge-shaped index hour markers and tapered lance-shaped hour and minute hands, set in contrast against a satin-brushed dial in a deep and lustrous black. A hand-stitched black Louisiana alligator leather strap with white gold clasp completes the harmonious composition of the Manero Tourbillon Limited Edition 2016.