[PanzerOrange]

I just paid for a ticket for my wife to accompany me on my business trip to London and Edinburgh, and set myself back $2K from the money I was saving for a JLC Master Control. Happy wife, happy life, as they say.

So, now I am not even sure anymore if I can stomach waiting another half a year to get into JLC Master Control price range or get something very similar for less. During my research, I stumbled upon this beauty:

Carl F Bucherer Manero Autodate


Which brings me to a question for the WIS community. What are your thoughts on Carl F Bucherer as a brand? How is the fit & finish? Does anyone own a watch from them?

From what I can gather, it is well-respected brand, under the radar and on the expensive side, actually... They do have their own calibers, but this particular entry-level model is ETA-based (maybe with some slight modifications), but I LOVE the pricing.

Am I doing the right thing comparing it to JLC Master Control (if we can disregard the in-house movement aspect of it)? Or should I just suck it up and continue saving for the JLC?

 

[Watchbreath]

Like em, that one is most likely an ETA 2892.

 

[Clouseau]

Continue to save for the JLC. Not that the other brand isn't any good, it probably is, but because it seems that what you realy want is that JLC and sure you'll have to wait another 6 months or so, but you'll be wearing it for decades!

 

[Mr.V1984]

For the money that the one you show costs, I would rather get myself another Tag.

 

[bacari]

I'm a fan of Carl F. Bucherer. I have always liked the brand. I think Gary (Gary123) has owned a couple and probably can give you better insight than most.

With that being said, my personal preference would be to save for the JLC.

 

[sea0bass]

Recently tried on a few Bucherer, very nice. I think the Manero Autodate is nice but not outstanding, if it was center chrono then definitely.
How about the Vulcain Presidents auto ..

 

[cs12]

You can always find a cheaper alternative to nearly anything but will you like it as much as what you ultimately want.

If you want a JLC save for one as there is no point spending cash on an alternative just because its cheaper.

 

[PanzerOrange]

OK guys, I will continue to save up for JLC MC then.

Thanks for all your input!

 

[Dancing Fire]

You can always find a cheaper alternative to nearly anything but will you like it as much as what you ultimately want.

If you want a JLC save for one as there is no point spending cash on an alternative just because its cheaper.

Yup, and you'll end up with 2-3 "for now watch" and still don't have your JLC.

 

[v76]

I love this Bucherer Patravi, but they are a lot more expensive (with a novel in-house movement) ...

(borrowed image)

I'd say wait and save up for the JLC.

 

[dbakiva]

If what you really want is the JLC, I think you'd be best off waiting a little longer for it.

That said though, I do like a number of the Bucherer watches and was very tempted by a (used) TravelGraph Chrono I saw a few months back, but the dealer sold it before I could get my nerve up. Probably a good thing.

 

[Cybotron]

Great brand. I'm a fan.

 

[whatwhatwhat]

Bucherer's only problem is they are not well known outside of Switzerland. The watch speaks for itself, it's a quality watch! (My photos are crappy don't do it justice.) And they stand by their product, those purchased in the states come with a four year warranty.

 

[Cybotron]

Bucherer's only problem is they are not well known outside of Switzerland. The watch speaks for itself, it's a quality watch! (My photos are crappy don't do it justice.) And they stand by their product, those purchased in the states come with a four year warranty.

And there customer service is top notch. :-!

 

[lmcgbaj]

Nice but on another planet. Not even close.

I would suggest the Zenith Elite instead. Both the Captain and Ultra thin are beautiful watches, with classic design and a great inhouse movement. You can get them at half price of a Master.