The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi DayDate 2012 - A Synthesis of Forms.

This is the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi DayDate, a new model for 2012.

The Patravi portfolio is a collection of very fine timepieces - dapper and somewhat harmonious.  Harmonious? - Well the Patravi ChronoDate and Patravi TravelTec are distinguishable by their rounded cases and complimentary round subdials ...... the superb Patravi EvoTec DayDate has a generous cushion-shaped case, its curvaceous shape reciprocated on the perfectly proportioned little small seconds and date window, also cushion-shaped.  The Patravi DayDate 2012 is a synthesis of forms, featuring both a rounded case and cushion-shaped indications.

So is this valiant departure a cleverly contrasting composition or dastardly dial discordance?  Perhaps you think than simply merging the two forms is hardly brave.  Maybe not - but it is adventurous.  This is an industry in which a little nip or tuck on the designer's sketch pad can unleash a torrent of poor publicity, where something as simple as beefing-up a bezel or lengthening a lug can produce cyclonic criticism.  Thankfully it all works perfectly - this timepiece is as devilishly handsome as its predecessors, and the Patravi DayDate collection remains reassuringly "dud-free".

Followers of the Carl F. Bucherer brand will already know that their first manufacure calibre, the CFB A1000 was launched at BaselWorld 2008 to great acclaim, uniquely it featured a bi-directional oscillating weight, which enabled a superb view of the movement normally found only with a manually wound calibre.  At the time, it was evident that this innovative calibre would have development possibilities for the future, and indeed, the new Patravi DayDate is powered by an evolution of the CFB A1000 - the A1001.

On the dial the hour and minute hands are chunky and reminiscent of weaponry.  The big date window and the day of the week aperture on the left leave ample dial space for the Carl F. Bucherer name, re-instated under the direction of Jörg Bucherer.  There are subtle details too - the fine chapter ring, the silvered markers taking the place of numerals - except for the perfect little "60" on the small seconds dial, and the lining of the strap which picks up the red of the brand's logo.

The Carl F. Bucherer Patravi DayDate for 2012 is housed in a 42.6mm stainless steel case and is presented on a black calfskin leather strap.

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