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Rolex was reported to be discontinuing Carl F. Bucherer in February 2025, but the report was not an official public confirmation from Rolex. Swiss business magazine Bilanz said Rolex declined to comment and Bucherer called the information rumors. The distinction matters for owners: the reported brand wind-down does not, by itself, establish when production stopped or how long future watch service will remain available.
Did Rolex shut down Carl F. Bucherer?
Bilanz reported on 7 February 2025 that Rolex was discontinuing Carl F. Bucherer, with its report updated on 10 February. Bilanz said employees had been informed and remaining boutiques would close. It also reported that Rolex declined to comment and Bucherer dismissed the information as rumors. The reported rationale was sustained multimillion-franc losses; that is Bilanz’s account, not an official company finding.
Accordingly, it is more accurate to describe this as a reported discontinuation than as a publicly confirmed Rolex announcement. The sources cited here do not establish the date production ended, the precise scope or timing of closures, or a final public statement from Rolex confirming the decision.
What Rolex acquired—and what it said in 2023
Rolex announced on 24 August 2023 that it would acquire Bucherer, the watch and jewelry retailer. Its release said the sale followed Jörg Bucherer’s decision to sell in the absence of direct descendants, and stated: “The watch retailer will keep its name and continue to operate independently.” That assurance concerned the retailer’s identity and operation; it was not a promise that Bucherer’s own watch brand would continue.
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- Automatic movement
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At the time of that announcement, Rolex said Bucherer had more than 100 outlets worldwide, including 53 that distributed Rolex and 48 that distributed Tudor. Those figures describe the retailer in 2023, not a current store count. Rolex’s acquisition announcement sets out that context.
The European Commission’s 2024 merger decision identifies CFB (Carl F. Bucherer) as Bucherer’s luxury watch brand and Bucherer Fine Jewellery as its jewelry brand. It also describes Bucherer’s activities in manufacturing, retail, repair, and maintenance. The brand and retailer were connected, but they were not the same operation. The Commission’s merger case records provide the regulatory context.
Can Carl F. Bucherer watches still be serviced?
Carl F. Bucherer’s currently published service information describes a worldwide network of service centers and watchmakers trained to work on CFB watches and movements. It publishes a two-year warranty on purchases, a two-year warranty after full maintenance service, and a one-year warranty after partial service.
These are the terms and service arrangements the brand currently describes; they are not a guarantee of long-term availability after the reported wind-down. Before sending a watch for work, contact the service provider and ask for written confirmation of the work offered, parts availability, price, turnaround time, and applicable warranty. Do not assume that a Bucherer location listed for Rolex retail or service also services Carl F. Bucherer watches.
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Rolex’s UK locator continues to list Bucherer retail and service locations. That confirms the retailer relationship at the locations shown, not that those locations handle CFB watch repairs. Rolex’s UK Bucherer locator is specific to the Rolex network.
How long will Carl F. Bucherer spare parts be available?
The brand’s FAQ says spare parts are guaranteed for a minimum of 20 years from the date production is discontinued. It does not give that date. The FAQ’s continued availability online does not confirm that production has ended, so the 20-year period cannot be converted into a calendar end date from the published information.
The same FAQ recommends a service interval of approximately four to five years and an annual water-resistance check. For a particular watch, ask an authorized or otherwise qualified service provider to confirm whether the required parts are available and to state the service terms in writing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What owners and buyers should check
A brand discontinuation report is not enough to establish that an individual watch is scarce, appreciating, or difficult to maintain. For a purchase or service decision, assess the specific watch and the provider’s actual offer:
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- Limited Edition of 30 pieces
- Approx 50 Hour Power Reserve
- Model and reference: identify the exact reference and movement, since parts and service needs can differ across models.
- Condition and service history: request records and have condition assessed independently, especially for a pre-owned watch.
- Provenance and completeness: check the seller’s history and whether papers, box, and other claimed accessories are present and consistent with the watch.
- Service plan: ask who will perform the work, whether parts are on hand or must be sourced, and what is covered by the written estimate and warranty.
- Price: compare the asking price with the watch’s condition, documentation, and confirmed service needs rather than assuming discontinuation guarantees future value.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
