Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph Review

MichaelC · 2013-11-28T09:50:02Z

Read a long-term review of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph, covering 8+ years of ownership, design, and performance insights.

MichaelC offers a rare long-term review of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph, reflecting on over eight years of ownership since its purchase in October 2005. This article provides invaluable insights into the enduring qualities and practical performance of a watch over an extended period, moving beyond initial impressions to a seasoned collector's perspective. MichaelC shares why this particular timepiece has become his chosen watch for Thanksgiving, highlighting its personal significance.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Patravi Tonneaugraph's case design, particularly its curved bottom matching the side, is a standout feature that demonstrates Carl F. Bucherer's attention to detail, a quality not always found even in other high-end brands.
The watch's packaging, specifically the large, well-finished box made of leather and bird's eye maple with compartments for three watches and a ring slot, is exceptionally well-made and goes beyond typical industry standards.
The hand-stitched Louisiana alligator strap and adjustable deployant clasp are exemplary in design and durability, with the original strap lasting over eight years due to expert craftsmanship and rotational wear.
The movement is likely supplied by Dubois-Dépraz, a common practice for specialized complications like the big date, rather than being modified in-house by Bucherer.
While the deployant clasp offers versatile, stepless adjustment, its comfort can be compromised if the strap length is not perfectly suited to the wrist, potentially causing the clasp to protrude.
The Patravi Tonneaugraph offers excellent value for its combination of complications—chronograph, big date, and power reserve—making it a well-priced option for a daily wear watch.
Long-term reviews provide more objective and valuable insights than initial impressions, as they move past the 'honeymoon period' to reveal a watch's true enduring qualities and status as a 'keeper' in a collection.

The Discussion

MichaelC

Nov 28, 2013

Part I - case, dial, and movement

As I have posted over the years, my favorite design element of any watch is the case. The CFB Patravi Tonneaugraph is a fine example of a watch with a unique and interesting case, and it was what originally attracted me to this piece. The barrel shaped tonneau dial is obvious, and other manufacturers have used it as well. Looking at the watch from the side reveals the pleasure that CFB went to the trouble of actually curving the case bottom to match the side. Another favorite watch of mine, the

Mark in Paris

Dec 2, 2013

Excellent post

It is always nice to read a good review but quite rare to have a long term overview. Thanks a lot for sharing the life of your beautiful watch Michael. Cheers, mark

MichaelC

Dec 2, 2013

Thanks Mark

It really was a pleasure to share my thoughts on the watch as I have enjoyed it for so many years. You don't really need to reach for the right words to say what you think :-)

MichaelC

Nov 28, 2013

Part II - strap and clasp

Another positive for the CFB Tonneaugraph, the strap and clasp designs are exemplary. The strap is hand stitched Louisiana alligator in a pleasing honey brown shade. It is padded towards the top where it attaches to the case. The stitching is ecru, and matches nice with the dial. I am still on my original strap here, and while there are some sweat stains and worn areas, it is still in remarkable shape. Of course, it has been worn in rotation with other pieces, but I still feel the expert craftsm

MichaelC

Nov 28, 2013

Part III - accessories and conclusions

When reviewing a watch I don't always discuss the box and papers. CFB includes a small leather wallet for the booklets, nothing extraordinary here. But I feel the watch box deserves special mention. It is good size, maybe 10" wide and 8" deep. The center section is leather, and the two ends are birds eye maple. Really wonderfully finished. The inside has compartments for 3 watches and a ring slot on the side, and the entire inside is lined with a soft microfiber material. While most of us might

nilomis

Nov 28, 2013

Superb review ...

Andrew, I wish I had your talent for reviews. You show your love for CFB and, that's the hard part, maintained the objectivity. Congratulations for the review and the watch, Nilo

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph Review

Key Points from the Discussion

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