The first-ever JC Biver prototype went on sale in Geneva this week for a record-breaking AED 4.1 million (CHF 1 million) this week.
It set the record purchase for a first watch by a new watch brand. The prototype is currently considerably rare too, as the manufacturer has not even started production.
The design of the timepiece includes a tourbillon minute repeater carillon, in titanium, a unique piece with a silvered obsidian stone dial. The watch has a unique story too, as it was made for Jean-Claude Biver by his son and his team, marking the start of the production of their watches.
The auction for the timepiece was led by Aurel Bacs, in a pavilion set up by Phillips, in the grounds of the historic property Hotel La Réserve, set on the shore of Lake Geneva.
Following a tense 15 minutes of bidding – which saw collectors from three continents vie for the watch – an American collector won the sale.
Along with the timepiece, the winner also received a congratulatory gift from Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre Biver: a bottle of 1949 Château d’Yquem from JC Biver’s private collection and two kilos of his mountain cheese.
Production of their first three models (in pink gold, titanium, and two-tone skeleton) has just begun, with the first deliveries scheduled for September 2023.
Jean-Claude Biver spent 50 years in the watchmaking industry prior to establishing his new maison two months ago with his son, 23-year-old Pierre Biver, who is also a passionate watch collector.
Jean-Claude Biver and his son, Pierre
The family-owned business aims to produce ultra-exclusive watches, which are free from all industrial pressures and economic constraints, using the best experts in the industry to create a truly unique collection.
