It Takes Two

Watch industry legend Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre on co-founding a new brand-and setting the bar high.

- JAMIE NONIS

There’s a new duo in watchmaking, and it offers an intriguing peek into the father-son dynamic. The patriarch in question needs no introduction. He is industry titan Jean-Claude Biver, widely lauded for resurrecting Blancpain, revamping Omega, and invigorating Hublot over a stellar 50-year career.

Last year, he emerged from retirement armed with a new business partner, his son Pierre. Seated side by side, the juxtaposition is delightful: Jean-Claude’s larger-than-life personality versus Pierre’s picture of stoicism at just 22, with five decades separating the two. It’s an interesting combination that promises to deliver some surprises as Jean-Claude embarks on his latest chapter in the industry.

“I was with both Blancpain and Omega for 11 years, and then nearly 20 years at Hublot. Remembering those long periods at Omega and Hublot made me quite often nostalgic of the past with Blancpain, and I said to myself that I would like to finish my professional life as an independent, so I am back full circle,” muses the 74-year-old veteran.

SETTING THE BAR HIGH

Jean-Claude now sets the vision for the year-old Biver Watches, while Pierre takes care of the day-to-day operations of their eponymous business. The pair’s first outing together is the Carillon Tourbillon Biver, which is limited to just 30 pieces and was unveiled in March.