iW Magazine Winter 2019 | Page 57

CARL F. BUCHERER MANERO PERIPHERAL LADIES Carl F Bucherer’s second-generation in-house CFB A2000 movement is a pleasure to observe in action, in part because the peripheral rotor never hides the bridges and gears within. You may recall that last year Bucherer watchmakers enhanced the A2000 to include a new 4hz beat rate – up from 3hz in the earlier A1000. This meant greater precision. The new free-sprung balance increased resistance to shock-induced timing deviation. Indeed, CEO Sascha Moeri stressed to iW last year that the new caliber was designed with the goal of producing “Ferrari performance with Mercedes reliability.” In part because the peripheral concept enables a low case thickness, the new movement is perfect for the thin dimensions of ladies’ watches. Thus Carl F. Bucherer this year places that new movement within a 40mm Manero Peripheral, set with a diamond-bezel and a choice of mother-of-pearl dials. While not a traditional size for feminine wrists, the watch is being billed as a ladies model. I’d argue for gender neutrality, especially with the brown-dialed model. The layout offers a central hour and minute display accompanied by small seconds at 6 o’clock and a date. A power reserve of 55 hours and a COSC chronometer rating only underscore this watch’s serious specs. Alligator leather straps complete the overall look; the white variant features a contrasting black strap, while a leather strap accompanies the model with the velvet brown dial. Price: $9,800. FRANCK MULLER VANGUARD LADY MOONPHASE With a moon phase display at 6 o’clock and a self-winding mechanical movement, this Lady Moonphase expands Vanguard’s feminine side. Franck Muller places the display to show the Moon’s cycles through a mother-of-pearl opening on a guilloché or full diamonds dial. Accented by a stylish line on the side of the 32mm by 42.3mm case, the rose gold watch is powered by a Franck Muller manual-wind movement visible through a clear sapphire caseback. The alligator strap features matching colorful stitches. Price upon request. WINTER 2019 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | 57