ean-Claude Biver, after five decades in the watchmaking business, and his son Pierre, both passionate collectors, embarked on a magnificent adventure with the creation of a hyper-exclusive watch company at the pinnacle of prestige.

In March 2023, Jean-Claude Biver and Pierre Biver launched their namesake brand, the manifestation of their boundless passion for the craft of watchmaking. Free from all pressures and economic constraints, they collaborate with the finest specialists in each field to create timepieces of unparalleled excellence.

Their inaugural creation is a complication close to their hearts: a carillon minute repeater with tourbillon and micro-rotor. The watch is not just a collector’s treasure but also an object of fascination. Transcending craftsmanship, it becomes a work of art; and like art, it is infused with a soul. This is instilled into each piece by the masterful hands of artists and craftspeople.

Every detail, even the most minute hidden from view, is meticulously hand-finished, adhering to the highest standards of watchmaking artistry. The Biver hallmark is evident in these finishing touches, a testament to their pursuit of ‘invisible beauty’ – the essence of their unique legacy in watchmaking.

The minute repeater surpasses its role as merely a rare collector’s item and a testament to engineering prowess: beyond exemplifying the art of watchmaking, it resonates on a subtler, almost spiritual level.

Sound, in its essence, is vibration – a phenomenon that inherently stirs human emotions. It allows us to engage with a watch using all our senses, inviting us to momentarily lose ourselves in time. Because sound is a vibration that can be likened to the world of emotions, it is through sound that the Biver adventure continues – in the form of an exquisite minute repeater. This superb and challenging complication, both useful and above all poetic, gives the sound of eternity.

For master watch collector and genius of watchmaking Jean-Claude Biver, and historical watch enthusiast Pierre Biver, innovation means reconnecting with the foundational principles of watchmaking. Their approach is defined by a relentless pursuit of quality and the willingness to tackle significant challenges head-on.

The emerging Biver watch brand is now crafting its own history with the launch of the minute repeater. Choosing to start with such a complex creation symbolises the brand’s ethos: complexity is not just one aspect, but the very essence of their journey. Thus, the minute repeater stands as the first chapter in the unfolding story of the Biver watchmaking legacy.

It is essential to recognise that for the Bivers, technology is a tool to realise their foundational philosophy, rather than it dictating their approach. ’We envisioned the minute repeater as the cornerstone of our brand,’ Pierre Biver elucidates. ’However, the priority was to establish a design that truly represented us. Our aim was for the movement to complement and enhance the aesthetic principles we had envisioned. We sought to create a contemporary timepiece, one that draws inspiration from tradition yet simultaneously embodies both my father’s and my own perspectives.’

For Bucherer, Biver Watches has created an extraordinary new masterpiece: a mechanical wonder that epitomises the pinnacle of horological craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity.

Crafted in white gold, this minute repeater is not just a timepiece but a work of art, adorned with an array of stunning sapphires totaling 30.52 carats in various hues. The intricate arrangement of concave gems transcends traditional gem-setting, serving as a heartfelt homage to the art itself. Exclusively designed for Bucherer, this exceptional watch stands as a testament to the unparalleled skill of the artisans who poured their expertise into its creation.

This timepiece features a carillon-type minute repeater that comprises three gongs and hammers, adding a layer of complexity to its functionality. The automatic movement is further enhanced by a platinum micro-rotor, while the micro-rotor’s decorative plate is crafted in rose gold. The presence of the JCB seal on the regulating bridge signifies the movement’s exceptional finish, both in terms of quality and aesthetics. The movement is meticulously circular-grained on both sides, and the bridges, visible at the back, are made of white gold with a grained finish. The tourbillon is crowned with a white gold bridge, adding to its elegance. With 196 re-entrant angles, 44 jewels, and a 72-hour power reserve, the watch’s technical specifications are as impressive as its aesthetics. The front and back are protected by sapphire crystal, ensuring both durability and clarity.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Reference: PRF 10799

Unique, one-off piece

Case

Material: White gold
Diameter: 43mm
Lugs: White gold, width 21.3 mm
Bezel: Fixed / set, white gold
Back: Engraved / set, white gold
Crown: Engraved / set, white gold
Stones: 294 gradient blue sapphires - 26.27 carats
Water-resistant to 20 meters (2 ATM)

Dial and hands

Dial: Full sodalite centre, white gold indexes, white gold base.
90 blue sapphires in a gradient along the edge – 2.70 carats
White gold hands

Movement

Caliber JCB.001 A
Automatic movement, micro-rotor
Number of jewels: 44
Power reserve of 72 hours
Specialties: White gold bridges, white gold tourbillon bridge, hand-engraved white gold main plate

Functions/Indications

Hours, minutes
Seconds via tourbillon
Minute repeater

Strap and buckle

Blue stingray leather strap
White gold folding clasp, white gold pin and white gold buckle set with 10 blue sapphires - 1.55 carats