Carl F. Bucherer
Lucerne, Switzerland · Est. 2001
Founded by Carl Friedrich Bucherer
Carl F. Bucherer, founded in Lucerne in 1888 and named after its founder, is the watch brand subsidiary of the Bucherer retail group. It is best known for its peripheral rotor automatic movement technology, unique in the industry and used across its Manero and Patravi collections.
- Founded
- 2001
- Headquarters
- Lucerne, Switzerland
- Group
- Other
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Defunct
Key Collections
- Manero — Classic dress watch collection featuring elegant designs with in-house peripheral rotor movements.
- Patravi — Sporty collection with robust cases, chronograph complications, and a distinctive masculine aesthetic.
- Heritage — Vintage-inspired line drawing on the brand's archives, with bi-compax chronographs and retro dials.
Timeline
- 1888 — Carl Friedrich Bucherer opens a watch and jewellery shop in Lucerne, Switzerland.
- 1919 — The company begins selling watches under its own name alongside third-party brands.
- 2001 — Launches the CFB brand as a standalone watchmaker, separating from the retail business.
- 2008 — Introduces the proprietary CFB A1000 peripheral rotor movement, a signature innovation.
- 2018 — Heritage BiCompax Annual celebrates the brand's 130th anniversary with a retro chronograph.
- 2023 — Rolex Group acquires Bucherer (retail) and the Carl F. Bucherer watch brand.
- 2025 — Rolex announced shutdown of the 136-year-old brand, affecting approx 100 employees. 250 retail points to be phased out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carl F. Bucherer
- Is Carl F. Bucherer now owned by Rolex?
- Yes. In 2023, Rolex acquired the Bucherer Group, which includes both the retail chain and the Carl F. Bucherer watch brand.
- What is a peripheral rotor?
- Instead of a central oscillating weight, the rotor sits around the edge of the movement, allowing a slimmer profile and full view of the calibre.
- What is the history of Carl F. Bucherer?
- Carl F. Bucherer was founded in 1888 in Lucerne, Switzerland by Carl Friedrich Bucherer. It remained family-owned for over a century before being acquired by Rolex in 2023. The brand is known for its peripheral rotor technology and the Manero and Patravi collections, and continues to operate with creative independence under Rolex ownership.