Carl F. Bucherer established his first retail boutique in Lucerne in 1888. The shop sold watches and jewelry and the company has stayed with the family for the generations that followed. In 1919, the company launched its first ladies’ watches, a collection of timepieces in the Art Deco style and incorporating the revolutionary watch strap concept. They expanded over the years to include chronometers, time zone complications, and eventually to manufacture their own movements with the acquisition of Techniques Horlogères Appliquées of Sainte-Croix, Switzerland.

In 2016, blue began to dominate as a popular colorway for timepieces and Bucherer was a brand that had incorporated royal blue as its recognizable brand color since the beginning. They saw the blue trend and approached nine other manufacturers to create special and limited editions that would only be available in their stores as part of a Bucherer Blue collection.

The first edition saw beautiful, daring and unexpected limited edition pieces from the industry’s heaviest hitters, including Audemars Piguet, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Longines, Chopard, Carl F. Bucherer and H. Moser & Cie. Each created a unique watch with blue elements, and Bucherer proved that a retailer could be a strong force in collaboration when it comes to boutique watch concepts.

Each year since that first successful launch, new collaborations have been added to the collection with over 50 unique watches in partnership with 22 watchmakers.

The partnerships expanded beyond timepieces when Bucherer and Harley-Davidson teamed up to create a one- of-a-kind motorcycle that used the distinctive royal blue of the Bucherer brand, included diamonds from Bucherer Fine Jewelry, and incorporated a unique Carl. F. Bucherer timepiece. Even Lamborghini got in on the fun with a one- of-a-kind Aventador S Blue Edition with its “Blu Kairos” matte blue shade inspired by the Greek god of time.

Teaming up with Spacex

The heart of the Bucherer Blue collection is pushing creative boundaries to craft daring new innovations and encourage out-of-the-box design. How further from the box can one go than outer space? Bucherer and Jacob & Co. have partnered to create a truly unique showcase of a timepiece called the Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Bucherer Blue. This beautiful and inspirational watch was launched into space on April 8 along with a four-person team aboard the Crew Dragon Endeavor manufactured by SpaceX. Their destination was a 17-day mission, including working aboard the orbiting International Space Station laboratory for 15 days. The Ax-1 Mission timepiece was worn by Eytan Stibbe, an Israeli-born impact investor, philanthropist and former fighter pilot who is only the second Israeli to go to space.

Upon return of the Crew Dragon Endeavor, the Astronomia Tourbillon Bucherer Blue was presented via a public tour in New York City that started at the Bucherer 1888 TimeMachine flagship store, and displayed at Sotheby’s New York Galleries in June before heading to the auction block on June 15. The auction will benefit charity to give the special timepiece a fitting finale for its exciting journey.

Jacob & Co Astronomia Tourbillon Bucherer Blue

At 50mm, this is an eye-catching timepiece that is sure to be the crown jewel of any watch collection. At its core is the gravitational triple-axis tourbillon. The design incorporates four rotating satellites that turn in a constant motion, comprising the dial, the tourbillon cage, a spherical diamond that represents the Moon, and a magnesium lacquered globe to represent the Earth.

The custom caseback is just as heavenly with a design of the Moon, stars and a spaceship traveling toward the International Space Station while orbiting the Earth. The backdrop and renderings all incorporate the identifiable Bucherer Blue color scheme in addition to the space iconography.

Finished in 18K white gold and paired with a gorgeous blue alligator strap, this pièce unique timepiece has galactic appeal enough to win the heart of any space-obsessed collector.

Jacob & Co. Epic X Black Titanium Bucherer Blue

If the Astronomia Tourbillon is outside of your comfort zone, Jacob & Co. and Bucherer have a second option honoring the Ax-1 mission. The Epic X Bucherer Blue edition is a skeleton watch that stays a little closer to traditional watch style while still incorporating all the excellent craftsmanship and sport style.

The Epic X also has a strong space themed style with an engraving of a SpaceX astronaut, in spacesuit and helmet, gazing at the Earth from space. The 44mm case of black DLC titanium is a striking contrast to the blue PVD inner ring that coordinates with the blue PVD skeleton hands. It includes a custom USA Space Rocket design on the right-side bridge that balances with the Jacob & Co. logo engraved on the left-side bridge.

The unique honeycomb rubber strap in blue adds an interesting colorful finish to the intricately designed skeleton dial, elevating the luxury sport style. The Epic X Black Titanium Bucherer Blue edition is limited to 18 pieces and available exclusively in the United States.

An adventurous partnership

It’s easy to see the excitement of these watchmakers as they are invited to step beyond the limits of traditional engineering, design and innovation. The Bucherer Blue concept invites watchmakers to dream big, be bold, and deliver timepieces (and motorcycles and cars) like nothing ever seen before. It’s interesting to see the results of such freedom in collaboration, and a trip into outer space solidifies the legacy of the Bucherer Blue partnerships.

Tech Specs

Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon Bucherer Blue

Movement: Manual winding caliber JCAM10; 60-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and tourbillon
Case: 50mm; 18K white gold; water resistant to 30m
Dial: Magnesium, hand angled and polished; lacquered indexes
Strap: Blue alligator; 18K white gold folding clasp
Price: Auction on June 15, 2022
Availability: Pièce unique

Jacob & Co. Epic X Black Titanium Bucherer Blue

Movement: Manual winding skeletonized caliber JCAM45; 48-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours and minutes CASE 44m; black DLC titanium; water resistant to 50m
Dial: Skeletonized; custom USA Space Rocket design on right-side bridge, Jacob & Co. logo on left-side bridge
Strap: Blue honeycomb rubber; titanium and black PVD pin buckle
Price: Available upon request
Availability: Limited edition of 18 pieces, available exclusively in the US