The 60s and 70s are storming back into watchmaking, with plenty of new models returning to the cool, retro designs of the golden age of motorsport. If you need more proof than the plethora already out there, look no further than the incredibly handsome Manero Flyback from Carl F. Bucherer.
The Manero collection’s been the top end of Carl F. Bucherer since 2016 and is sophisticated enough in terms of design and watchmaking savvy to earn that place twice over. The latest takes the original’s core elements and leans hard on the 60s inspiration with a (and I hate to say the phrase) sports elegant style.
The 43mm rose gold case is beautifully classical, yet the shape of the chronograph pushers speak more of a steel racing watch; the same goes with the sunburst guilloche anthracite dial, lifted by a few speedometer-inspired red highlights. Usually that kind of sporty / elegant fusion compromises on one or the other… the new Manero does not.
That even extends to the strap which, despite the perforations attesting otherwise, are made from fine Kudu leather with a suede finish. It looks like a performance piece, but the materials are about as classical as they come.
Inside, the CFB 1970 automatic movement is arguably more beautifully decorated than the rest of the watch. That’s not putting the case or dial down, it’s just that the movement is stunning. Circular grain finishing, Glashutte stripes and a visible column-wheel mechanism, it’s something else.
The actual flyback function is nice and simple, just pushing the same button to stop and start the chronograph, one to reset. It couldn’t be simpler. Reading the tachymeter on the chapter ring is a little harder – it’s a tiny bit cramped – but thankfully the contrast of white on dark grey is enough to save your eyesight. Either way it’s worth it to maintain a more traditional bezel.
The 70s have become a recurring theme in the past year of watchmaking, but with designs like this who can complain? The Manero Flyback is an almost perfect fusion of elegance and performance.
Price & Specs:
Model: Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback Chronograph (Retro Design)
Reference: 00.10919.03.33.02
Case/Dial: 43 mm diameter x 14.45 mm height, 18k rose gold case, black dial
Water Resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: CFB 1970 calibre, automatic, 25 jewels
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power Reserve: 42h
Functions: Chronograph: minute and seconds counter, flyback, tachymeter, date, hour, minute, small seconds
Strap: Kudu leather with a suede finish
Price/availability: £13,600
More details at Carl. F. Bucherer.
