The Biver Automatique, The Brand’s Vision of a Classic 3-hand Watch

After retiring from his executive role at LVMH, industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver embarked on a new venture, creating a family-owned brand with his son Pierre – with a much-anticipated and commented launch in 2023, specifically given Biver’s aura. The Bivers’ vision to focus on high-end, high-grade, limited-production timepieces first took shape with the Biver Carillon Tourbillon, a complex timepiece retailing for over half a million Swiss Francs. Now, Biver Watches is introducing a model that strips watchmaking down to its essential functions: a three-hand automatic watch, simply named the Biver Automatique.

The Biver Automatique is a classic, elegant three-hand watch. Available in brushed and polished rose gold or platinum, its case measures 39mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness, and boats a surprisingly good 80m water-resistance. The angular lugs and slightly protruding crystal evoke a retro aesthetic and align with the design codes introduced with the Carillon Tourbillon. The dial, in solid 18k white or rose gold, features various finishes, including an engraved, applied gold railtrack, free of any décalque. Applied markers create an engaging sense of depth, complemented by beautifully finished gold hands.

While the exterior design of the watch is elegantly simple, its back looks far more complex and intricate – beyond what you could expect. Its micro-rotor calibre stands out with its elaborate architecture and rich decoration. It boasts seven bridges, wheels with serpentine spokes, and an array of finishes, including polarizing clous de Paris engraving, circular graining, anglage and polishing. The bi-directional micro-rotor is crafted from 22k gold and engraved too.

A proprietary automatic movement, this calibre JCB-003 has been developed and produced with Dubois-Depraz. If the name of this specialist of additional modules (mostly chronographs and calendars) stands for professionalism and seriousness, this development with Biver is their first “base” calibre. The movements are decorated and assembled in-house at the Biver Atelier in Givrins. And as you might expect, it will be used as a platform for future developments.

This 30.6mm calibre operates at 25,200 vibrations/hour. The variable inertia balance wheel features a unique shape, with a flat hairspring crafted by Precision Engineering AG (part of the MELB Group, alongside H. Moser), while the escapement is produced by Nivarox. The power reserve is 65 hours, and the practical zero-reset mechanism ensures precise time-setting.

The Biver Automatique is presented either on a leather strap with a pin buckle or on Biver Watches’ 5-row metal bracelet. The bracelets feature ceramic inserts to enhance their resistance and offer optimal comfort. 

Last, the solid gold dial models will be part of the regular production but just like for the brand’s chiming watches, stone dials will be available with sanded Obsidian (platinum case) and Pietersite (18k rose gold case). These will be part of an Atelier collection and available for a limited time and in small quantities.

The price for the Biver Automatique starts at CHF 75,000 (excl. taxes) for the rose gold version on strap – which is certainly not cheap but we are talking about a model to be released in limited, exclusive quantities.

For more information, please visit jcbiver.com.