BUCHERER RECOMMENDS
"Hour Favourites" by Pierre-Antoine Hardouin from Bucherer London
At Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned, our in-house experts encounter remarkable timepieces every day. In Hour Favourites, we invite them to share personal highlights: watches recognised for their design, heritage, or horological significance. Each has been carefully selected, authenticated, and serviced to meet the high standards of the Bucherer Certified Pre-Owned programme.
This episode takes us to our headquarters in London, where Pierre Hardouin, Category Manager, shares his perspective from 8–9 Frith Street. With a deep understanding of the watch industry and a discerning eye for craftsmanship, Pierre oversees the sourcing of a diverse portfolio of exceptional timepieces. His work connects him with collectors and an established network of trusted partners internationally.
For Hour Favourites, Pierre presents a selection that spans different eras and styles, from iconic classics to understated rarities. Each piece has been chosen for its technical merit, distinctive character, and lasting appeal.
5 Minutes
Omega Speedmaster Professional “Snoopy Award”
“The Omega Speedmaster “Snoopy” 3578.51.00 combines the iconic Speedmaster design with a playful tribute to Omega’s spaceflight history,” Pierre explains. “At 42 mm, it wears comfortably and maintains the familiar proportions of the classic Moonwatch. The dial features a blue Snoopy illustration at the 9 o’clock sub-dial, a detail that adds a distinctive note without overwhelming the design. On the caseback, a detailed “Eyes On the Stars” comic engraving celebrates Omega’s connection to NASA. Limited to 5,441 pieces and released in 2003, this model has become a sought-after addition to many collections.”
H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Centre Seconds Rotating Bezel C.02
“The Pioneer Centre Seconds C.02 is a refined and functional take on modern independent watchmaking. Created exclusively for Collective Horology, this limited edition stands out with its fumé dial in a textured cosmic green, paired with a black bi-directional rotating bezel,” he notes. “The dial’s griffé finish adds further depth and contrast, while the addition of a spare brown kudu strap offers a more casual styling option. With strong proportions and a practical dual-time function, this Moser brings versatility to the brand’s signature minimalist aesthetic.”
Tudor Big Block 79180
“The Tudor Big Block 79180 holds a unique place in the shared history of Rolex and Tudor. It was the first automatic chronograph produced by Rolex, featuring the brand’s coronet on the screw-down crown and a Geneva-signed caseback,” says Pierre. “The robust case houses the cam-driven Valjoux 7750 movement, known for its reliability and ease of service. This configuration also includes a quick-set date, viewed through the signature Cyclops lens. The Big Block combines tool-watch practicality with strong historical significance, making it a compelling choice for collectors of vintage chronographs.”
Rolex Submariner 1680 “Single Red”
“The Rolex Submariner 1680 introduced the date function to the Submariner line and remains one of the most important vintage references. This example features the sought-after “Single Red” Mark V dial, which signals both rarity and historical value. Its acrylic crystal and bidirectional bezel distinguish it from later Submariner Date models, adding to its vintage character. With its clean proportions and unmistakable presence, the 1680 represents a turning point in Submariner evolution, bridging its tool-watch origins with the features that would shape the modern collection.”
