In a move that blends luxury with legacy, the private wine collection of Jörg Bucherer, the late billionaire who once helmed a global watch retail empire, is set to go under the hammer at Christie's. The auction, scheduled from April 16 to 30, promises to be a treasure trove for oenophiles, featuring over 2,400 bottles spanning some of the most coveted vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Spain.
Bucherer, who passed away in 2023, was not just a titan of the watch industry but also a connoisseur of fine wines. His collection, meticulously curated over decades, reads like a who's who of the wine world. Among the highlights are six magnums of Château Haut-Brion 1989, estimated to fetch between £16,000 and £20,000, and a case of Domaine Leroy, Romanée-Saint-Vivant 1999, expected to command £45,000 to £60,000. These bottles, stored in his cellars in Lucerne and Marbella, are more than just wine—they are liquid history.
The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation, one of Switzerland's largest charitable trusts. Established to honor Bucherer's legacy, the foundation supports a range of causes, from nurturing creativity in the arts to advancing scientific research and aiding children with disabilities. It's a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life building and preserving excellence, whether in timepieces or terroir.
Bucherer's journey from watchmaker to wine collector is a tale of passion and precision. For 46 years, he led his family's watch retail business, expanding it into a global empire before selling it to Rolex in 2023. That deal, valued at over 4 billion Swiss francs, marked a historic moment for the luxury watch industry. Now, his wine collection, a testament to his refined taste, is set to make waves in the world of fine wines.
As the gavel falls on each lot, it won't just be wine changing hands—it will be a piece of Bucherer's enduring legacy, one that continues to pour into the world long after his time.
