Swiss watch brand
Biver: history, models and value
Biver is the late-career project of Jean-Claude Biver, the manager behind the revivals of Blancpain and Hublot, and his son Pierre. It makes very small numbers of high-end watches in a farmhouse near Geneva.
- Founded
- 2022
- Founder(s)
- Jean-Claude Biver, Pierre Biver
- Headquarters
- Givrins (near Geneva)
- Owner / group
- Independent
Biver: origins and founding
The company, legally named jcbiver SA, was set up in 2022 and presented to the public in March 2023, just before the Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva. It works from a restored farmhouse in Givrins, in the countryside between Geneva and the Vallée de Joux.
Founders and family
Jean-Claude Biver (born 1949 in Luxembourg) is one of the best-known managers in Swiss watchmaking. He revived Blancpain during the quartz crisis, helped reposition Omega, turned Hublot into a global luxury brand and later led the watch division of LVMH, which he left in 2018 for health reasons. His son Pierre Biver co-founded the brand with him; the press describes Biver as a father-and-son company.
Biver history and milestones
- 2022: jcbiver SA founded.
- March 2023: Launch with the Carillon Tourbillon.
- 2024: The Automatique, the first time-only model.
- 2025: Around 150 watches made, according to a workshop report.
Famous Biver models
- Carillon Tourbillon – a minute repeater with three gongs and hammers (a carillon), a tourbillon and an automatic micro-rotor. Early pieces were priced at around CHF 500,000.
- Automatique – a time-only watch with a micro-rotor movement and a zero-reset seconds function, offered in precious metals.
Movements and technique
Biver designs, finishes, assembles, cases and tests its watches in Givrins. Raw movement parts come from specialist partners: Le Cercle des Horlogers for the Carillon Tourbillon and Dubois Dépraz for the Automatique. Cases are made by Efteor. The movements are decorated in a classical style, with many hand-finished angles.
Biver today
Biver remains a small, family-run company with a team of a few dozen people and James Marks as CEO. It sits in the haute horlogerie segment, at prices far above most Swiss luxury brands.
Biver prices on the pre-owned market
Few Biver watches have reached the secondary market so far. A documented result: at Phillips' New York Watch Auction in December 2024, a 2024 Biver in stainless steel called "Echoes of this Moment" sold for USD 165,100. Value depends on the model, metal, dial, completeness of the set and direct proof of origin from the brand.
How to recognise a genuine Biver
Buy only with complete documentation and, ideally, confirmation from Biver itself. Check that the movement seen through the caseback matches the model (micro-rotor, finishing, the JCB seal on Carillon Tourbillon bridges). Our guide on how to spot a fake watch covers general checks.
What is your Biver worth?
Send us photos for a free watch value estimate. For a watch at this level, a written watch appraisal is advisable for insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Biver watches?
Jean-Claude Biver, known for Blancpain, Omega and Hublot, and his son Pierre Biver. The brand launched in March 2023.
Where are Biver watches made?
They are designed, finished, assembled and tested in a farmhouse workshop in Givrins near Geneva, with raw parts from Swiss specialist suppliers.
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