Masters at Work | Biver
“It feels like restart, but with a lifetime of knowledge.”
On our quest to explore the world of haute horlogerie, we visited the small Swiss village of Givrins, between Geneva and the Vallée de Joux, not far from the shores of Lac Léman, to meet Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver. While Jean-Claude Biver has been a well-known name in the watch industry for decades, it was not until 2024 that he founded his first company, Maison Biver, to start a new chapter in haute horlogerie alongside his son Pierre.
The Father and Son Duo
This "Masters at Work" episode offers an exclusive look into the minds of two generations of watchmaking visionaries. Jean-Claude Biver's remarkable legacy and Pierre's fresh perspective combine to create a brand that reflects independence, creativity, and a deep affection for craftsmanship. Maison Biver is an independent watch manfucture guided by the values of haute horlogerie, allowing the father-son duo to define innovation in a centuries-old industry.
"For me, watchmaking is not just about movements or materials—it’s about emotion, meaning, and connection."
In this episode, Jean-Claude and Pierre share their thoughts on what sets Maison Biver apart: their commitment to individuality through rare stone dials, their neo-classical approach to watch design, and their vision of building a community beyond traditional watchmaking.
This is Maison Biver
Independence is at the heart of Maison Biver, giving Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver the freedom to create without compromise. For Jean-Claude, launching the brand is both a return to his roots and a fresh start. “Retirement makes you old,” he says. “As long as you work, learn, and even make mistakes, you stay young.” This belief drives the duo’s approach to redefining haute horlogerie. Pierre, who initially resisted entering the watch industry, now embraces his role. “Watchmaking runs in my blood,” he reflects, adding that the opportunity to build something meaningful with his father is a rare privilege.
As independent Swiss watchmakers Biver combines haute horologerie with modern technology to create its distinguished aesthetic. Their timepieces express individuality, exemplified by the use of rare stone dials, each unique, reflecting the natural beauty and energy of the stone. Jean-Claude explains, “Stone dials connect the wearer to nature. No two are alike, and each carries its own significance.”
Biver's Atelier Series limited-production automatic watches with unique stone dials are the perfect example of their approach to creating minimal watches with maximum impact. For the Automatique Atelier Series Obsidian, a special sanding process creates a unique finish on the obsidian dial, resulting in a mottled grey colour ranging from dove grey at its brightest to nearly black at its darkest.
Automatique
This 39mm platinum watch combines traditional watchmaking with modern innovation, creating a neo-classical aesthetic that stands apart. By blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary techniques, they maintain relevance while respecting the heritage of haute horlogerie. For the Bivers, achieving perfection means attending to every detail, from intricate decorations to the harmony of their designs.
Looking Ahead
Maison Biver is a watch brand built on connection, craftsmanship, and the human spirit. Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver create timepieces while building a community rooted in shared passion and appreciation for haute horlogerie. "A watch is not just an object; it's a story, a memory, a bond," Jean-Claude reflects. By fostering this sense of belonging, the Bivers aim to bring people together through the timeless beauty of their creations. For Jean-Claude, this journey is about more than innovation or independence—it's about legacy. "If your children one day run this business, my greatest wish is to be invited to see their first collection," he says. "That would be the ultimate fulfilment of everything we're building together—a legacy that endures through generations."
To understand what drives their vision and what sets Biver apart from the rest of the industry, we invite you to watch the full episode of "Masters at Work" and discover the passion behind their new venture.
