Carl F. Bucherer | The Dashing Presence of Racing Driver Freddy Barth

CARL F. BUCHERER

New Ambassador for Carl F. Bucherer

Freddy Barth, a leading Swiss racing driver. In 2010, Carl F. Bucherer, an independent watch manufacturer also based in Switzerland, welcomed him as a new ambassador.

Text by OPENERS

Freddy Barth, a leading Swiss racing driver. In 2010, he was active in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) and was welcomed as an ambassador for Carl F. Bucherer, an independent watch manufacturer also based in Switzerland. This new partnership was forged by their shared origin in Lucerne, Switzerland.—The bond between the two was forged by a "pursuit of dreams without giving up."

Racing driver Freddy Barth

Freddy Barth began participating in kart racing at the age of 16. His start was late, with many around him whispering that he should give up as he was already a grown man. However, Barth saved for three years for his first kart race and dedicated himself to winning races whenever time allowed. "Speed" and the "calmness" essential for driving...—...Carl F. Bucherer states that his pursuit of this ambivalence is mirrored in the company's own style of steady production. Barth was diagnosed with lymph node cancer at the age of 18, but his strong passion for motorsport sustained him. Fourteen years after starting kart racing, at the age of 30, Barth became skilled enough to compete with world-class touring car drivers. In 2000, he won the Winfield World Challenge, and this year, 2010, he made his debut in the World Touring Car Championship. He is currently extending his WC points in all rounds and achieved a fourth-place finish in the Marrakech round, a record for a rookie. Barth is also active in charity work, contributing to "Childhood Cancer Research Switzerland."—support for the Swiss Research Foundation.

Freddy Barth's policy, considered too late for the world of motor racing, is "Live with purpose, or your death will be in vain." Barth, who has continued his unflagging efforts, is scheduled to participate in the Okayama round this October. We eagerly await the chance to see the racing driver so cherished by Carl F. Bucherer in action in Japan.

Bucherer Japan
Tel. 03-6252-3481

BRAND HISTORY
In 1888, Carl Friedrich Bucherer opened a jewelry store in Lucerne, Switzerland. This would later grow into one of Europe's largest watch and jewelry retailers. In particular, their selection of Rolex watches is among the world's finest, and they have supported each other since establishing a cooperative relationship in 1924.

However, alongside managing the jewelry store, founder Carl Friedrich Bucherer also developed an interest in watchmaking. In 1919, he launched his own original watch collection, including ladies' models. These watches gained a reputation for their quality, on par with those produced by other Swiss watchmakers.

After Carl's death, the business was passed down to his two sons, who continued watch production. In 1948, they released the "Chronograph Big Date," and in 1969, they were early adopters of quartz movement development, demonstrating their commitment to watchmaking.

Currently, the third generation, Jörg G. Bucherer, serves as chairman of the group. In 2001, the brand "Carl F. Bucherer" was re-established, bearing the founder's name. A factory was established in Lengnau, near Biel, and as the only watch manufacturer in central Switzerland, the company focuses on developing original products.

Year Founded: 2001
Place of Origin: Lucerne, Switzerland
Main Series Names: Patravi, Alacria, Manero
Contact: Bucherer Japan 03-6252-3481
Official Website: http://www.carl-f-bucherer.com