In a move that blends luxury with legacy, the private wine collection of Jörg Bucherer, the late billionaire and former head of a global watch retail empire, is set to go under the hammer at Christie's. The auction, expected to raise over £1 million, will benefit the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to supporting the arts, sciences, and children with disabilities in Switzerland.
Bucherer's collection is a testament to his refined taste and meticulous curation. Spanning over 2,400 bottles across 238 lots, the auction features rare vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Spain. Among the highlights are six magnums of Château Haut-Brion 1989, estimated at £16,000–£20,000, and a case of Domaine Leroy, Romanée-Saint-Vivant 1999, expected to fetch £45,000–£60,000. Each bottle tells a story, a liquid echo of Bucherer's passion for excellence.
Bucherer's life was a tapestry of precision and passion. For 46 years, he helmed his family's watch and jewelry business, expanding it into a global empire before selling it to Rolex in 2023. With no heirs to inherit his legacy, he turned his attention to philanthropy, establishing a foundation that now stands to benefit from the auction of his cherished wines. The collection, stored in cellars in Lucerne and Marbella, reflects his dedication to craftsmanship and quality—a theme that defined both his professional and personal pursuits.
The proceeds from the auction will fuel the Jörg G. Bucherer Foundation's mission to nurture creativity and innovation. From supporting artists and scientists to improving the lives of children with disabilities, the foundation aims to carry forward Bucherer's vision of a better world. As the gavel falls on each lot, it will mark not just the sale of fine wines, but the continuation of a legacy built on generosity and excellence.
As the auction dates approach (April 16–30), collectors and connoisseurs alike are poised to raise their glasses—not just to the wines, but to the man whose life was as rich and layered as the vintages he cherished.
