In 2009 the Lucerne based timekeeper Carl F. Bucherer sold 5,000 watches (the brand is a division of privately owned Bucherer, the powerful watch retailer that sells many top brands, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Chopard, Richard Mille, Piaget and others.)
Enter former Swatch Group and Milus executive Sascha Moeri as CEO. In 2012 16,500 CFB watches were sold and this year the target is 20,000 according to the hard charging but soften spoken boss who deflects the credit back to the owning family and its Chairman.
This 125th anniversary year will also see the debut of the first CFB tourbillon, a ladies’ concept watch and the first Manero with an in-house made movement. First peak will be at the Basel Fair in late April.
Along with the increased volume and new launches has come substantial recognition. The latest was on display during a visit to company headquarters where the Manero ChronoPerpetual has been awarded the title of “Best Chronograph” at the recent “Middle East Premier Awards for Watches, Jewelry and Pens” in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The award was presented in front of 300 dignitaries and VIPs during a ceremony at The Ritz-Carlton.