Industry News: Rolex Shuts Down Carl F. Bucherer

The historic watch brand Carl F. Bucherer is reportedly being discontinued, according to a report by the Swiss business newspaper Bilanz. The once personal prestige project of Bucherer's long-time patriarch Jörg Bucherer is now revealed to have been a costly venture that, under the new leadership of Rolex, no longer has a place. According to the story, Carl F. Bucherer didn't operate profitably, despite an estimated investment of 250 million Swiss francs. Employees were reportedly informed about the upcoming closure, but no official statement regarding the sudden end has been issued so far.

Carl F. Bucherer was established by its namesake, Carl Friedrich Bucherer, who initially opened a watch and jewelry store in Lucerne in 1888. The business quickly gained a reputation for selling fine timepieces and offering excellent customer service. In the early 1900s, the brand expanded to include its own watchmaking operations, and by 1920, Carl F. Bucherer started producing its own watches under the brand's name.

The company flourished throughout the 20th century and earned recognition for its commitment to quality and design innovation. Known for its mechanical expertise and high-end craftsmanship, it has developed several proprietary technologies, including genuine movements and a peripheral rotor. Much sought-after complications such as flyback chronographs, tourbillons, GMT and world time watches are further testimony to its technical prowess.

To learn more, visit Carl F. Bucherer, here.