If you’re a watch a aficionado, the name Jean-Claude Biver needs no introduction. The former CEO of Hublot officially announced his retirement in 2018, stepping down as head of the LVMH watch division. Biver was a transformative force in the industry, reshaping Hublot into a modern horology powerhouse.
In 2023, he re-entered the spotlight with the launch of his eponymous brand, founded with his youngest son, Pierre. Biver the brand debuted in style with the Carillon Tourbillon Minute Repeater, featuring a chiming mechanism with three hammers and a gravity-correcting spinner.
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Jean-Claude Biver founded his own watch brand in 2022
This year, Biver takes a more straightforward approach with the Biver Automatique, available in a 39mm case of platinum or 18-karat rose gold, paired with a white gold and a rose gold dial, respectively. The two-tone finish adds depth to the monochromatic look, while the 18-karat gold markers and hands are treated with anthracite for greater legibility. You’ll also notice a railroad track in 18-karat gold around the dial’s perimeter.
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Biver Automatique in 18-karat rose gold
But the main reason for the Biver Automatique’s creation is the heartbeat within—the new Calibre JCB-003 developed at Dubois Depraz, which will serve as the base movement for future complications. Key attributes include hand-winding via the crown, despite it being an automatic, and a zero-reset mechanism that snaps the seconds back to 12 o’clock when you pull the crown to set the time, allowing for precise adjustments down to the second.
Design-wise, the movement looks amazing, with a 22-karat gold micro-rotor, beautifully sculpted bridges, and a combination of high-end inishes that include Clous de Paris guilloché, anglage, and black polishing. All these can be admired via the sapphire caseback.
“Distilling complexity down to its purest, simplest incarnation can be its own kind of masterpiece, found in its absolute perfection and discipline,” says Jean-Claude.
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Calibre JCB-003 will be the base for future complications
Should you desire a more elevated instrument, the Automatique also comes with stone dials under the Atelier series. Limited in quantity, the platinum version is paired with black, sanded obsidian, while the rose gold option showcases dark blue Pietersiter with swirls of white and orange.
“We want the Automatique and the Calibre JCB-003 to bring more people into the Biver community,” shares Pierre Biver. “Hopefully, they communicate our values, ideas and taste to a new group of collectors and enthusiasts across the world, laying the foundation for years of exploration to come.”
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Biver Automatique Atelier Series in platinum with black obsidian dial
Biver Automatique Atelier Series in rose gold with dark blue Pietersiter dial
When we last met, I asked Jean-Claude why he was interested in working with Pierre on a new watch brand. “I wanted to be able to use my 50 years of experience and give back. Giving back is a wonderful mental exercise and gives a lot of satisfaction,” he explained at the time.
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Now that the Biver brand has entered its second chapter, father and son take a moment to reflect on family and legacy.
How much influence did you have on Pierre’s decision to join the watch industry?
Jean-Claude (JCB) I had no influence, as I never encouraged my children to follow in my footsteps. They were always free to pursue their own passions.
Do you agree, Pierre?
Pierre (PB) There was no pressure; rather, I found inspiration in the creative process. Building the Biver brand was an unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
What traits do you see in Pierre that reflect your own?
JCB Impatience, reactivity and design-consciousness.
What does “legacy” mean to you?
JCB It means eternity, which makes it something incredibly significant and essential for me.
PB It’s important to stay true to who we are and express that through the watches we create.
Pierre Biver (Photo: Sébastien Agnetti)
What family traditions do you think are important to preserve?
JCB The most important aspect of life is ethics, and that’s what I’ve always tried to instil in my children.
PB My father taught me the importance of ethics, and I want to pass that on, especially now that I have a daughter. It’s about staying true to your principles and being passionate about what you do.
What achievements do you consider significant enough to be part of your family’s legacy?
JCB I would highlight our commitment to ethics and our uncompromising honesty.
PB For me, it’s all about creativity and passion. I’m passionate about taking risks to push boundaries in design and craftsmanship. I believe that our legacy will be shaped by how we continuously evolve and bring fresh perspectives to the industry.
How would you like to be remembered by your children and grandchildren?
JCB As a kind and humble father and grandfather who taught them the values of generosity, honesty and the importance of sharing.
How do you tackle challenges that could affect the legacy you’re trying to create?
PB Every challenge is an opportunity to find new solutions and push boundaries, which only strengthens the legacy we are building.
How do you see the future of your family’s legacy evolving?
JCB I hope my legacy will endure and be carried on through many generations of the Biver family.
PB I see our family’s legacy changing as we mix traditions with new ideas. As each generation brings their own perspective, we can keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the core values that define us. It’s about keeping our legacy dynamic and relevant; not just preserving it but allowing it to grow and adapt over time.
What role does resilience have in creating a legacy?
JCB Resilience is a crucial part of my legacy. Without it, there’s no path to a successful future.
PB Resilience is key to building something lasting. It’s about adapting and pushing forward, even when challenges arise, to keep our legacy strong.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to leave a meaningful legacy?
JCB Never give up, and always believe in your passion and core ethical values.
PB My father and I work as a team, combining his experience with my fresh perspective to achieve results. Our advice is simple: combine wisdom with new ideas, passion and values to make a lasting impact.
How do you align your efforts in growing the Biver brand?
JCB We are committed to maintaining the brand’s authenticity and quality while embracing innovation to ensure its continued relevance and future growth.
PB We are committed to preserving the brand’s core identity while exploring new avenues for growth. We collaborate closely to ensure that every strategic move aligns with our heritage and forward-thinking approach.
How do you complement each other at work?
PB We truly function as a team. He brings his incredible ability, experience, and constant capacity to reinvent himself and stay young at heart. I seek reassurance through his knowledge. It’s a perfect blend of experience and fresh perspectives.
JCB I believe the Biver Automatique is the perfect example of how we complement each other.
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