ExclusiveCarl F. Bucherer unveils the most awaited watch, the Patravi TravelTec II – Just launched in India

Few would argue that the first TravelTec had changed the way people perceived travel watches in the watch industry. In fact, it was a first of its kind Swiss-made travel timepiece that offered switching between multiple time zones with just the push of a button. Carl F. Bucherer’s TravelTec editions have enthused watch lovers for ten years now and to mark the tenth anniversary of the celebrated timepiece, they launched the new Patravi TravelTec II. Old wine in a new bottle? Let’s find out:

Triple Timezone Chronograph – World-time on your wrist:

Now you might ask who ever needed a multiple time zone watch and how often would you really use the complication? Well if you’re like me, who travels a lot and has to constantly reset the watch according to the current time zone, it does get a bit complicated. In the case of the TravelTec II, it gets simpler. All you’ll have to do is refer to the time-zone sun on the case back which shows the hour differences of 24 cities and you’re good to go. A press of the pusher at 10 o’clock will rotate the inner rotating bezel as per your reference from the caseback, and the outer bezel doubles as the third time zone indicator – a first for the TravelTec considering the previous version’s bezel was clean. This one though has etched numbers on it.

But despite all the numbers, hands and two bezels, the face of the Patravi TravelTec II has been designed cleverly – detailed without sacrificing clarity. The features take a while to get used to but once you get the hang of it, fast readability ensures you always read the right time.

“The unique combination of three-time-zone displays and a chronograph now comes in a bold compact case.”

Cleverly detailed dial:

The black dial is perhaps TravelTec II’s secret behind the clever detailing – the dark colour makes all the numbers and references stand out. The chronograph counters can be found in their usual positions at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The date display can be found between 4 and 5 o’clock with a curved, magnified lens.

Hands and indices are similar, almost the same as the original TravelTec series, and there’s a red indicator for the East and West directions, which can be operated by the TravelTec’s characteristic Mono-pusher at 10 o’clock (which as I’ve explained before, enables quick and easy switching of time as desired by the wearer). But a noteworthy feature of the new TravelTec is that the date, like the hours can move forward and backward depending on where you are, which is impressive coming from CFB.

The branding on the dial is also the same as the original TravelTec and not very intruding, perhaps done on purpose to maintain the clutter-free experience, and also because the brand wants your watch to look good for every occasion on your trip.

Impressive mechanics

What powers the TravelTec II is CFB’s improved version of it’s in-house Automatic Caliber CFB 1901.1 – a unique movement to say the least considering the watch allows to simultaneously display three time zones and has a chronograph. CFB 1901.1 is COSC certified and you can have a sneak peek of the movement through the side-mounted sapphire glass window, right next to the mono-pusher.

All of this is cased in a solid 47.4mm stainless steel case which helps the watch to achieve an impressive water resistance of 100m not many multiple time zone watches can boast of.

Available in Two variations:

The watch comes with a ‘special’ rubber strap that has stitched leather inserts. You’ll be deceived at first because it does look like a leather strap! We’re assuming this is CFB’s attempt in showcasing a combination of exquisite materials and offering you the comfort of a rubber strap, clubbed with looks you’d get in a leather strap – a best of both worlds. And if straps aren’t your thing, TravelTec II comes in a stainless steel bracelet option as well.

10 years strong

Clearly, ten years weren’t wasted by Carl F.Bucherer. The TravelTec II is without a doubt, an impressive watch, with improved mechanics, new additions; and even if the watch was designed for high-class complications, it does all the hard work under the hood, making it incredibly easy to use for the wearer. In terms of looks, it regains the simplicity in use and design, something that we loved about the first Traveltec &  the watch is perfect as a daily driver or for a formal event. And for frequent travellers, who ‘communicate with the world’, the triple time zone reference is going to be a joy to use.

All boxes checked indeed.

The TravelTec II retails exclusively in India at Ethos Watch Boutiques.