Denmark has become a new front in the battle between Europe’s luxury watch retailing giants Bucherer and Britain’s Watches of Switzerland Group
First, WoSG opened an Omega and a Breitling boutique in Copenhagen in September.
Today we learn that Bucherer has gone one better and bought one of the Danish capital’s most prestigious multi-brand retailers, Klarlund.
The company has two major showrooms in Copenhagen.
The flagship is a three storey emporium on the prestigious Østergade anchored by Rolex, and also offering the likes of Jaeger-LeCoulgre, IWC, Chopard and Vacheron Constantin.
The other is located at the base Axel Tower, one of the famous harbour-side Copper towers.
Bucherer is already present in Copenhagen within its Illum department store and now has a lock on the city when it comes to Rolex.
“Klarlund’s history and achievements are impressive and we have the greatest respect for this family-owned company,” says Guido Zumbühl, CEO of the Bucherer.
Klarlund was founded in 1947 by Danish watchmaker Povl Klarlund and became the country’s first Rolex authorised dealer in 1955 as its retail business grew.
Today it represents Omega, Longines, TAG Heuer, Hublot, Panerai, Nomos, Tudor, IWC, Glashütte Original and Vacheron Constantin.
Klarlund remains family-run, but has been owned since 1989 by investment firm Pitzner Gruppen Holding.
Pitzner Foundation owner and chairman Morten Pitzner says it was important to find a new owner with common values and who understands Klarlund both from a watch and a jewellery retailer’s perspective.
“With Bucherer, we have found just that. They bring in the expertise and understanding we have been looking for. At Klarlund, tradition and local principles have always been key. With Bucherer, we now have a strong international partner that is still family-run and thus upholds these values,” he adds.
Financial details of the acquisition, which includes all administrative and service operations, have not been disclosed.
