MichaelC
[AP Moderator]
22291
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 craftsmanship of the strap has given it the ultra long life cycle.
The strap is fitted to an adjustable deployant clasp. Here again, Carl F. Bucherer does things a little different than other brands.
In the photo below, the folding adjustment on the left side is shown in the open position. When rotated in this position of 90 degrees to the blade, the strap tail can be moved in either direction. Once you have it where you want it, you simply bend the part back parallel to the blade.
Now you see it in the locked position, ready to be closed around the wrist. It is a superbly simply system that allows the user an extremely easy manner in which to adjust the strap size. It also allows the strap tail to be kept solid and not require any holes to be punched through.
Now you see it in the locked position, ready to be closed around the wrist. It is a superbly simply system that allows the user an extremely easy manner in which to adjust the strap size. It also allows the strap tail to be kept solid and not require any holes to be punched through.
The latching portion of the buckle is finely finished. The CFB logo and name are etched into the metal. Polished bevel edges again match the rest of the watch head. The strap latches closed with a very solid click. One button on each side is pushed to release it.
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2013-11-28 12:24:05
A long term review of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph
I am very pleased to share my thoughts on the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph. I have chosen Thanksgiving as the day to post this article as every year this is the watch I select to wear on this special holiday. Checking my original papers, I purcha...
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 to...
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
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 :-)
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 ma...
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 ...
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
Thanks for reading Nilo and your kind words.
Sometimes when we really adore a piece it is hard to be objective, but it is always OK to wish a thing or two were different ;-) BTW, I do have a few nicknames, but I had never been called Andrew before! LOL!
Sorry about the name change ...
Michael, Sometimes, I mess with names when multitasking between a keyboard and my granddaughter. Cheers, Nilo
No problem! I think we have all done that
My kids are always in and out of my home office, and it is easy to get distracted.
Nice post, Michael!
C.F. Bucherer is an unappreciated brand that puts a significant amount of care and detail into their cases and dials. Thanks for posting this!
Thanks for reading and I am glad you enjoyed it.
Fun to write about pieces we really love.
Excellent post, thanks Michael.
Tonneau shaped watches are far from being my fav ones but I appreciated your review. Fx
The shape did take some getting used to.
And I really came to enjoy the look on my wrist. Thank you for reading my article on it!
I almost purchased the Tunneaugraph while on vacation three years ago...
I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't think I would like the shape of the case on my wrist. Well priced for all the complications that it combined: A chronograph, a big date, and a PR...everything someone would need for a daily wear. Thanks for the ...
Appreciate your feedback Mike.
I feel I can offer better insight when I have owned a watch for a longer period. It is too easy to be influenced by the "honeymoon period" early on. But, after so many years in a collection, you really know what you have. I have learned how special it is ...
Very well-written and interesting review!
Thank you very much for it, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Regarding the movement: I rather assume that it is supplied by Dubois-Dépraz, and not modified by Bucherer. At least the unique big date layout suggests that origin. I, too, think that the deplo...
Thanks for reading, and good points Marcus
I believe you are correct on DD supplying the movement. I was highly intrigued when Bucherer came out with their in-house A1000 a few years back, but have never encountered one in person. The strap adjustment is awesome... if, as you point out, the strap ...