The New Biver Automatique Yellow Gold & Atelier Series Carbon Edition

In 2023, Jean-Claude Biver, an industry veteran who requires no introduction, returned to the spotlight after retiring from his latest position at LVMH when, with his son Pierre, he unveiled the Biver Carillon Tourbillon, the debut timepiece from the newly minted family-name brand. True to form, expectations were sky-high, with the launch setting a tone in technical complexity and price points. In 2024, Biver father and son surprised enthusiasts with something a little more understated but no less refined: the time-only Automatique, an elegant yet not-so-classic model available in platinum and rose gold with matching dials and powered by a micro-rotor calibre developed by Dubois-Depraz. It debuted alongside the Atelier Series, featuring stone dials.

Now, the collection continues to expand. Biver is introducing yellow gold editions of the Automatique, including a version with a yellow gold dial and a new Atelier Series Carbon Edition, with a dial crafted from, you guessed it, carbon fibre and yellow gold. Fusion at its finest, since 2008. The new Biver Automatique in yellow gold stays true to the design language of its predecessors. Housed in a 39mm case just 10mm thick, it offers a robust 80 meters of water resistance. A sapphire crystal tops the case, while angular lugs add character. Around the back, an exhibition caseback reveals the movement in all its detail.

The solid yellow-gold dial has a striking, multi-level appearance. It features an engraved and applied gold minute track, faceted anthracite-coloured indices, and hand-bevelled hour and minute hands, all crafted in matching gold and finished with a satin sheen for a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic.

In the Atelier Series Carbon Edition, things take a more technical turn. The centre section and chapter ring are crafted from black carbon fibre, contrasted with indices, hands, and a minute track, all rendered in yellow gold, a fusion of classic luxury and contemporary materiality.

Powering both models is the in-house automatic calibre JCB-003, equipped with a bi-directional gold micro-rotor. Developed in collaboration with Dubois-Depraz, this is the first base calibre the storied module specialist has created exclusively for Biver. Each movement is assembled at the Biver Atelier in Givrins and showcases meticulous craftsmanship and decorative finishes such as clous de Paris engraving, circular graining, polished anglage, and mirror polishing – very, if not a bit too demonstrative. The JCB-003 beats at 25,200 vibrations per hour and delivers a 65-hour power reserve.

The yellow gold Biver Automatique is paired with a black nubuck leather strap, while the Carbon Edition is fitted with a black braided rubber strap lined in leather. Both come with a yellow gold pin buckle. A matching deployant clasp and a multi-link gold bracelet are available upon request.

For those who thought the new Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P was an expensive three-hander, the yellow gold Biver Automatique is priced at CHF 75,000, while the Carbon Edition comes in at CHF 89,000, excluding taxes. For more information, please visit jcbiver.com.