A long term review of the Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Tonneaugraph

Nov 28, 2013,09:50 AM
 

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 purchased this watch in October 2005.  So I have now enjoyed this fine timepiece for over 8 years.





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Part I - case, dial, and movement

 
 By: MichaelC : November 28th, 2013-09:56
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

 
 By: Mark in Paris : December 2nd, 2013-07:29
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

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-12:02
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

 
 By: MichaelC : November 28th, 2013-11:57
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

 
 By: MichaelC : November 28th, 2013-12:21
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 ...

 
 By: nilomis : November 28th, 2013-13:23
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.

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-06:12
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 ...

 
 By: nilomis : December 2nd, 2013-09:01
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

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-12:03
My kids are always in and out of my home office, and it is easy to get distracted.

Nice post, Michael!

 
 By: jporos : November 29th, 2013-07:59
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.

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-06:13
Fun to write about pieces we really love.

Excellent post, thanks Michael.

 
 By: foversta : November 29th, 2013-16:02
Tonneau shaped watches are far from being my fav ones but I appreciated your review. Fx

The shape did take some getting used to.

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-06:14
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...

 
 By: mkt33 : November 30th, 2013-05:09
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.

 
 By: MichaelC : December 2nd, 2013-06:18
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!

 
 By: Marcus Hanke : December 10th, 2013-00:44
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

 
 By: MichaelC : December 10th, 2013-06:20
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 ...