Carl F. Bucherer Opens Boutiques in Beijing, Hong Kong, And Macau

In an unquestionable statement of confidence in the emerging Chinese luxury market, independently owned Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer has opened new boutiques in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macau.  According to a media release from the company, every sixth timepiece sold in China above the price point 4,500 Swiss Francs is made by Carl F. Bucherer.

The three boutique locations were opened during the month of October 2008, each marked by festive inaugural ceremonies.  In the case of the Beijing boutique, which opened on October 10th, there was a sizable press conference accompanied by traditional Chinese celebrations; in the evening, a gala-dinner ensued, hosted by Carl F. Bucherer CEO Thomas Morf, and Jorg G. Bucherer, the third generation descendant of the company founder.  Part of the evening's events included an auction of three Carl F. Bucherer timepieces.  The proceeds from this auction were donated to the Lifeline Express program--a hospital train which travels through China to administer eye operations to the most impoverished citizens.

Each of the new Carl F. Bucherer watch boutiques is characterized by the extensive use of glass, wood, and stone, including quartz mined in Switzerland's Vals Valley.  The architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, Richard Meier and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe are strong inspirations for the boutique designs, according to the company. 

"Our customers must all feel at home with us right away," stated Bruno Jufer, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Carl F. Bucherer. "Bright rooms, clear lines and cubic shapes emphasize the values of our brand: independence, freedom and unwillingness to compromise."

The Carl F. Bucherer watch brand came into being in 2001, building upon a respected heritage as one of Switzerland's leading watch retailers.  Since 2001, the company has experienced rapid growth and constructed a solid distribution network.  In 2007, Carl F. Bucherer acquired the specialist firm of Techniques Horlogeres Appliquees SA in St. Croix, a decisive move which secured the technology necessary to develop its own mechanical movements.  At Baselworld 2008, Carl F. Bucherer debuted the CFB A1000, its first in-house caliber.