“Indie Talks with Biver watches
In this new chapter of “Indie Talks” we are going to get to know a new independent watchmaking brand that has only just been born, but which is headed by one of the most experienced people in the sector. Today we have with us Jean Claude Biver, who presented the brand that bears his name for the first time a little over a year ago. He is joined in this project by his son, Pierre Biver, and his CEO, James Marks.
James Marks (CEO), Jean Claude Biver and Pierre Biver (Founders)
After having done and demonstrated everything in watchmaking, why start again and now with a new brand with your name and in a quite different field such as independent watchmaking? JCB
Jean Claude Biver: My passion is keeping me young and active. That’s one of the reason why I am starting again my own brand. The second reason is to transfer my brand and my knowledge to my son Pierre.
Do you remember your first watch as a kid?
Jean Claude Biver: Yes, my first watch was an Omega Constellation which my grandfather offered me for my “first communion”. My parents put it after I returned back from church to the safe and gave it back to me when I was 18 years old.
Pierre Biver: My first first watch was a Swatch with a “@” symbol.
When did your passion for watchmaking begin?
Jean Claude Biver: My passion started with Jacques Piguet who was the son and the Director of Frederic Piguet (famous movement maker of the Vallée de Joux). He was able to transmit me his passion for watchmaking, his passion for Marathon runs, his passion for Nature and his passion for the Vallée de Joux in general.
Pierre Biver: I have been living and breathing watches since I was born. But my true passion came around my 18th birthday when I started working for The Phillips, Bacs & Russo auction house where I learned about vintage timepieces and helped develop the perpetual boutique.
What is the main difference between having managed major watchmaking brands and having gone on to manage a small independent brand?
Jean Claude Biver: There is no difference except the additional stress and tension provided through the increase of responsibility. I always believed that it is easier to lose your money rather than the money of others…
What does it mean for you to work with your father/son? Pierre what is your role within the brand?
Jean Claude Biver: working for my son and the new generation not only keeps me young, but also enables me to understand the new generation and to learn from them. Somehow it avoids me to get old….
Pierre Biver: It has been, and will likely remain, one of the greatest honors of my life. He has so much to teach, and his experience is invaluable.
In my current role as creative director, I shape the brand’s creative vision and voice, both through the products we create and in how we share them with the world.
Pierre Biver Photo: Sébastien Agnetti
How would you define the brand's DNA? What sets apart from the rest?
Jean Claude Biver: The brand is a “fusion” between yesterday and tomorrow. In that sense it is a very attractive and interesting brand which can teach you both the past and its future
Pierre Biver: The brand’s DNA is rooted in the fusion of past and present, where vintage meets modern—two styles colliding, two concepts blending. It’s best described as Neoclassicism.
What inspires you to create your watches? What would be the details you would highlight the most in your creations?
Jean Claude Biver: I am inspired by my love, my dreams and finally by my taste and by the emotions the watch is inspiring me
Pierre Biver: It is to create watches that will accompany the owner throughout different moments in their lives, watches that inspires them some feeling and emotions.
Biver Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon Sodalite Openwork
What are the pros and cons for Biver Watches of being a young independent watch brand?
Jean Claude Biver: you need a certain modesty and to be open to evolution to understand the future and not to copy the past which is existing and cannot be copied but can help to give birth of emotions .
Pierre Biver: The pros and cons are the same, it is that we get to build everything from zero.
Who produces your calibers?
Pierre Biver: Either Dubois Depraz (Automatique) or Le Cercle des Horlogers (Carillon) whislt we keep the finishing and assembly in-house.
Biver Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon Rose Gold Silver Obsidian
How would you define a watch with such a special design as the Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon Catharsis?
Pierre Biver: In my eyes, it’s a work of art that redefines techniques and approaches to artistically driven watches.
Biver Minute Repeater Carillon Tourbillon Catharsis
What are the main features of your new Micro Rotor Automatique collection?
Pierre Biver: There are many intriguing features in the Automatique. I particularly like the four different dials we created for this model: two in gold with distinct finishing styles that give the watch a two-tone effect. I also appreciate the Atelier Series and the two stones we chose for this first iteration, giving the watches a unique look. The Automatique includes a zero reset mechanism, a 22k gold micro rotor, and incredible finishing. It’s also the first watch in which we introduce a second hand, remarkably thin and beautifully designed. Additionally, it features a 39mm case, another first for Biver. There are many more features, but these are the highlights.
Biver Micro Rotor Automatique Rose Gold
What is so special about your bracelets? How is the design and production carried out?
Pierre Biver: When we designed the Automatique, we knew we wanted to créate a bracelet that would perfectly fit the watch, this is why we decided to créate our own bracelet instead of using existing options on the market.
Why have you decided to introduce precious stones into your dials such as Blue Sodalite, Coeur de Rubis, Malachite, Onyx or Silver Obsidian?
Pierre Biver: Using stone dials was important to us because it gives the watch a unique look, as no two natural stones are alike. Each stone brings a new discovery and new ways of working with it. The beauty of stones is that the possibilities are almost endless.
Biver Micro Rotor Automatique Atelier Series Pietersite
What new complications are you already thinking about for the future to include in your watches?
Pierre Biver: Since we produce complex watches that take time to build, we have to design, develop, and prepare years in advance. We are currently working on many different complications, with the idea to created within the next few years the 6 masterpieces of watchmaking.
How big is the company nowadays? How do you see the future in terms of development of the brand?
James Marks: We are currently a team of 21 people. In terms of development, it’s more about building awareness, as the design and product are already extremely strong and finalized through the end of the decade.
Given the current situation of the watch market, any time in the past was better? How does a person with your experience see the future of the sector?
James Marks: Quality is always the deciding factor in a client's decision, whether in the primary or secondary market. If you offer a high-quality alternative to the mainstream, you will always attract a core group of collectors who appreciate your offering.
What are your most important markets? Where can we find your watches? Are you thinking about having presence in the Spanish market?
James Marks: We don’t target markets individually because there is so much online presence; the market is truly global. In today’s world, it's essential to stay aware of macroeconomic trends to avoid relying too heavily on any single region. We are currently working with a network of retailers worldwide, and the Spanish market is, of course, on our radar.
And the last question, if you were not wearing a Biver watch on your wrist, which brand and model would you wear?
Jean Claude Biver: I would wear a vintage Blancpain Chronograph 1185
Pierre Biver: It’s hard to choose just one watch, as there are many I love, but I would have to go with a vintage Patek Philippe, specifically, the reference 2523, which I particularly admire.
James Marks: Rolex, 40mm Day-Date as a dress watch or a GMT in steel for casual wear.