Review – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve (And The Peripheral Rotor Movement Explained)

Carl F. Bucherer sets the tone for 2017 with two beautiful and colorful steel limited editions. But there is more than meets the eye with these two models as we take an in-depth look at their superb peripheral rotor movements. Here is our in-depth (and of course technical… We have our habits) review of the Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve.

The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve is an elegant watch with a superbly (and originally) arranged dial, featuring hours, minutes, small seconds, a large date, the day of the week and a power reserve indication. At Baselworld this year, the Lucerne-based manufacturer unveiled two limited editions in steel with colorful fume dials, rendered in blue and green. Their hues shifts from light to night blue and light to dark green. Carl F. Bucherer worked carefully to ensure all indications contrast nicely against the dial, with finely applied white paint, faceted hour markers and luminescent dots; the dauphine-style hands also feature a thin luminescent inlay.

At 42.5mm in diameter, the stainless-steel case wears well thanks to its elongated lugs that have a nice chamfer. This well-designed case has polished and brushed finishing. It features a convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating of both sides. It is water resistant to 30m. The transparent case back reveals the superb calibre CFB A1011, an unusual movement, both in terms of style and technical solutions, which really deserves a closer look.

Entirely designed and manufactured in-house in Lengnau, this superb, well-thought out movement features several interesting innovations. First of all, the CFB A1011 is an automatic movement with a peripheral rotor – this smart design offers an unimpeded view of the movement geometry together with the comfort and practicality of automatic winding.

The idea of a peripheral automatic movement is not exactly new, some patents from the 1950s (Paul Gosteli) and 1960s can be found for instance. Yet, Carl F. Bucherer is among the first brands to bring an efficient solution to the concept. Its idea is to use three small DLC coated rollers with ceramic ball bearings to drive the peripheral rotor. The ceramic ball bearings require no lubrication. Amassing up to 55 hours of power reserve, winding is bidirectional: the rotor supplies energy when turning in either direction thanks to two clutch wheels with clamp rollers (based on friction).

This system is associated to a patent (DSA – Dynamic shock absorption) in relation to the arrangement preventing the peripheral wheel from being deformed by the ceramic balls in case of a shock which would affect its long term functionality. The transmission wheel that transfers the kinetic energy of the rotor to the mainspring is mounted on an Incabloc shock absorber.

The other cool technical feat of this stunning movement is the precision adjustment system christened CDAS (Central Dual Adjustment System). This smart patented construction allows for the adjustment of the beat and the rate of the watch in a simple, efficient and stable way.

Screwing/unscrewing the screw of the CDAS allows for the easy positioning of the stud. Once it is in position, the regulator can be adjusted thanks to the 7-sided bolt. The system is then perfectly secured in position, ensuring the stability of the adjustment – specifically in case of shock. (If you’re looking for further information about these types of adjustments read our technical perspective about the regulating organ of the watch here). The sophisticated CFB A1011 caliber runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour. It is 32 mm in diameter and 6.3 mm high. It features 33 jewels and it is made of over 200 parts.

The design of this sophisticated movement is built following three different axis. The resulting look is awesome. It is modern, highly architectural with straight lines and sharp angles, and of course the CFB A1011 caliber is finely decorated. The bridges feature different levels with matt, brushed or polished surfaces (fine bead-blasting, fine sand-blasting) and chamfers are diamond polished. The seven sided bolt heads on the barrel and crown-wheel are a nice touch.

Up close with the keyless works of the CFB A1011 – in the center, it is not a Ninja star but the wheel to adjust the date and the day of the week indication. These are corrected via the crown: the date in one direction and the day of the week in the other. All manufacturing operations and the after sales services of the brand are now gathered in Lengnau, near Biel.

The Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve Limited Editions are complemented by a soft calfskin leather strap matching the color of the dial. It is secured with a steel safety folding buckle with length adjustment pin. It is nicely finished and engraved with the brand’s logo. Each model is limited to 188 pieces and priced at CHF 9,400. For more information, visit www.carl-f-bucherer.com.

Technical specifications – Carl F. Bucherer Manero Power Reserve limited editions

• Case: 42.5 mm x 12.54 mm – steel case – convex sapphire crystal with antireflective coating on both sides – sapphire caseback – 3 ATM / 30 m water resistant
• Movement: in-house caliber CFB A1011 mechanical with automatic winding (peripheral rotor) – 32mm – 55h power reserve – 21,600 vibrations/h – 33 jewels – hours, minutes, seconds, large date, day of the week and power reserve indicator.
• Strap:  blue or green calfskin leather strap with folding buckle
• Limitation: Limited edition of 2 x 188 pieces
• Reference : 00.10912.08.93.01 (green) / 00.10912.08.53.01 (blue)
• Price: CHF 9,400