Jean-Claude Biver, who has a career spanning more than half a century in the watch industry, has finally unveiled the masterpiece that bears his name. The finishing touches are as impressive as the packaging.
This ultra-complex watch combines a carillon repeater, micro-rotor, and tourbillon. However, the exterior is made of titanium to make it suitable for everyday use. As the company claims, "We don't do marketing," the product is exceptionally well-made. Automatic (Cal. JCB-001). 44 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Ti case (diameter 42mm, thickness 13.7mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Starting at 520,000 Swiss francs.
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2024 issue of Kronos Japan]
"Carillon Tourbillon Biver" with carillon, tourbillon and micro-rotor
Founder of Biver. After working at Audemars Piguet, he joined the ASUAG Group (now the Swatch Group). After reviving Blancpain in 1982, he became CEO of Hublot in 2004. Based on the concept of fusion, he quadrupled sales in two years, and then became president of the LVMH Group watch division. In 1922, he founded JC Biver (now Biver), which bears his name.
Biver had been quiet since its announcement in March 2023. However, in December, Jean-Claude Biver himself came to Japan and unveiled the product at the Hour Glass Ginza.
We asked him directly what we wanted to know. Why did he choose the cutting-edge Le Cercle des Horlogers as his partner? "Because there was no other manufacturer that could add a carillon, tourbillon, and micro-rotor to a repeater. They were able to meet our custom needs." But did he have any concerns about working with an up-and-coming manufacturer?
"The company is new, but the staff has a lot of experience. I don't work with companies. My company is only 16 months old, but I have 50 years of experience."
One of the models he showed me was the "Carillon Tourbillon Biver," featuring a carillon repeater, tourbillon, and micro-rotor. The finish is impeccable. The plate and bridges are made of 18K gold. The bridges feature 196 rhombus-shaped ridges (though it seems unnecessary to mention this on the micro-rotor). The dial is made of 1.15mm-thick sodalite.
However, what impressed me even more was the overall packaging. The exterior is made entirely of lightweight titanium. The lugs are also short and the bow tube is tight, so it fits comfortably on even the slenderest of wrists. When I told him this, Biver looked pleased. What's more, even though it's a repeater with a slider, it's water resistant to 5 bar. Despite being an ultra-complicated watch, it's not overly flashy, as it's aimed at collectors, Biver said.
To be honest, the price is exorbitant, but the complicated watch that master watchmaker Biver finally completed was of such a high level of perfection that it was well worth the price.
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