Bucherer Chronograph (Ref. 9656) Lemania Cal. 1873 "Anakin Skywalker", 1970s

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Considering the brand has been around in some form or fashion since 1888, Bucherer is one of the lesser-known Swiss brands out there. Initially founded by Carl-Friedrich Bucherer and his wife Luise, the brand started out as Lucerne's first watch and jewelry shop before adding a watchmaking extension in 1919. Like Turler, Tiffany and many large-scale jewelers, Bucherer also did a lot of co-branding and white labeling of watches, one of which is this incredible chronograph from the '70s. In this case, this Bucherer is the twin sister watch to the Omega Seamaster Ref. 145.023, though the piece we have here is much more rare than its more famous sibling. Nicknamed the "Anakin Skywalker" by watch royalty Chuck Maddox, this oversized beauty seemed tailor-made for the Star Wars movies that were released around the same time. It's built out of tungsten, a unique metal that's stronger than both steel and titanium, and features the manual-wind Lemania cal. 1873 movement (the same as the 861 movement used in Omega Speedmasters from the era), plus a ton of external stylistic choices that make this truly one-of-a-kind and something that will stand out no matter where you take it. Stock # BUCSKY9656 Brand Bucherer Style Chronograph "Anakin Skywalker" Model 9656 Serial 29XXXXX Size Men's Material Tungsten W/ SS Case Back Dial Silver "Aged" Millimeters 44 Bracelet Stainless Steel Bracelet CASE & BRACELET The 44mm helmet-like tungsten case exhibits light signs of use and features hidden lugs. It retains its original unsigned crown and two pump pushers. The stainless steel case back shows signs of use appropriate for its age. The watch will be supplied on its original president-style stainless steel bracelet. DIAL & HANDS The panda-style dial is silver with gold fleck accents, features three black sub-dials with metallic outer tracks, and a black outer tachymetre track. The lume inlays at the hour markers have aged to a dark grey color. The hour and minute hands are black with inlaid lume that has been professionally restored with white tritium. The center chronograph hand adds a pop of orange to the otherwise mostly monochromatic look. ACCESSORIES