A Masterpiece of Watch Collection: The Carl F. Bucherer MaBu Commemorative Watch

 

 

 

 

    As an abbreviation for the Vallée de Joux, "Valjoux" has been the cradle of top-tier movements since 1895. In 1950, the first hand-wound movement with upper chronograph functions was born, which included the Valjoux 92 movement. Designed with a column wheel mechanism, horizontal clutch, and thirty-minute counter, it measures 13 lignes (approximately 29.5mm) in diameter with a height of only 6 millimetres, making it one of the premier chronograph movements of its time.

 

    The basic gear train and chronograph gear train of the chronograph movement perform their respective duties; the former is responsible for hour, minute, and second display, while the latter handles chronograph operations. Pressing the two chronograph pushers of the Valjoux 92 movement advances the seven-tooth column wheel at a precise angle, accurately controlling the engagement and disengagement between the chronograph starting lever and the chronograph gear train. This allows one to start or stop the chronograph seconds hand operation, as well as control the resetting of the chronograph hands. The horizontal clutch wheel plays an important role in this process: when the chronograph pusher is activated, the horizontal clutch wheel immediately connects to the chronograph gear train. Pressing the pusher once more separates the two, immediately stopping the chronograph function; pressing another reset pusher returns the chronograph hands to the zero position. Repeating the above steps allows for multiple timing procedures. The large Glucydur balance wheel of this movement has a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz), ensuring the accuracy of the chronograph seconds hand to the level of 1/5 of a second.

 

 

 

 

    The Carl F. Bucherer manufacture carefully obtained 100 Valjoux 92 movements and subjected them to intricate and detailed refurbishment and finishing. This includes plating the movement baseplate with rose gold, designing the bridges with spiral graining and Côtes de Genève finishing, and hand-chamfering, polishing, and satin-finishing most of the steel components. The exquisite movement decoration can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back of the rose gold case. The dial is cast in sterling silver, with five hands dancing across the face, while the clear arched sapphire crystal glass fully displays the beauty of the dial.

 

    As a tribute to Max Bucherer, the Manero Tribute to Mabu commemorative watch by Carl F. Bucherer celebrates the artistic achievements and remarkable life of this family artist. Max Bucherer was the youngest brother of founder Carl F. Bucherer. As the youngest member of the family, he showed artistic talent from a young age, later dedicating himself to creative arts and having the opportunity to be influenced by the German literary great Hermann Hesse. The period between 1963 and 1966 marked the peak of Max Bucherer's artistic career, with his works highly praised by critics and art lovers alike.

 

 

 

 

    Max Bucherer's friends affectionately nicknamed him Mabu. In his early years, he studied graphic design in Munich, Germany, and later moved to Paris. Around 1900, Paris was permeated with an atmosphere of freedom, attracting many freedom-seeking thinkers and intellectuals from around the world who indulged in the romantic ambiance of cafes and culture. Naturally, Max Bucherer, only 19 years old at the time, could not resist the diverse artistic and cultural trend. However, as time passed, he yearned to return to the tranquil life of the Alpine region. In 1905, he settled on the Höri peninsula in the Bodensee region, where the artistic atmosphere was quite strong. From then on, he began corresponding with Hermann Hesse, influenced and inspired by him.

 

    Max Bucherer's rich experiences included serving as a war illustrator for the Austrian military and working as an educator in Munich and Zurich. However, wood carving art remained his lifelong passion, though his attainments in jewellery creation were by no means inferior to those of his brother Carl Friedrich.

 

    Specially crafted by Carl F. Bucherer, this Manero Tribute to Mabu commemorative watch is limited to 100 pieces. Created to commemorate Max Bucherer's artistic achievements and remarkable life, it fully showcases the Manero collection's characteristics of combining exquisite craftsmanship, elegant style, and practical performance.

 

   

    Appendix: Specifications of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero MaBu Commemorative Watch

 

    Movement: Valjoux 92 vintage movement, hand-wound. Power reserve of 39 hours, 17 jewels.

    Functions: Thirty-minute chronograph, column wheel controlled chronograph, small seconds.

    Case: 18K rose gold, case diameter 40mm, screw-down case back, water-resistant to 30 metres.

    Strap: Hand-stitched alligator leather strap.

    Limitation: 100 pieces