Biver, led by the father-and-son duo Jean-Claude and Pierre Biver, introduces their second timepiece, the Automatique. This watch represents the purest vision of the brand’s neoclassical style to date. It balances historical influences with contemporary ideas, offering a refined take on luxury watchmaking.
The Automatique Collection: A Celebration of Craftsmanship
The Automatique is Biver’s first time-only watch. It features a quartet of distinct dials that showcase the qualities of 18k gold and semi-precious stones. This collection highlights Biver’s dedication to dial design, focusing on clarity and legibility while drawing inspiration from vintage sector dials.
The Automatique collection includes:
- Automatique Atelier Series Pietersite
- Automatique Atelier Series Obsidian
- Automatique Rose Gold
- Automatique Platinum
A Movement for the Future
The Calibre JCB-003, developed with Dubois Depraz, powers the Automatique. It elevates the traditional three-hand design with a 22k gold micro-rotor, a zero-reset mechanism, and Biver’s distinctive decoration. This movement also serves as the foundation for future complications, reflecting Biver’s technical approach to watchmaking.
Dynamic Gold Dials
The Automatique’s 18k gold dials use alternating straight and circular brushing, achieving a dynamic two-tone effect. This finish enhances the dial’s depth, playing with light to reveal new details. Even the back of the dial, unseen by wearers, receives circular graining, a testament to Biver’s pursuit of perfection.
As Pierre Biver, Co-Founder & Creative Director, explains, “We wanted to revive a certain flair seen in watch dials from a bygone era, but with our own identity. By embracing gold’s natural properties and using modern techniques, we’ve created something that feels both nostalgic and innovative.”
The dial features applied 18k gold markers and anthracite-colored hands, crafted for maximum legibility. The chemin de fer seconds track, engraved in deep relief, adds precision and depth.
The Atelier Series: A Return to Stone Dials
The Atelier Series introduces two limited-production watches, bringing Biver back to its roots in hard stone dials:
- The Automatique Atelier Series Pietersite features a dark blue Pietersite dial with swirling patterns, set in a rose gold case.
- The Automatique Atelier Series Obsidian pairs a platinum case with a sanded Obsidian dial, showcasing a dappled surface of varying tones.
Markers and hands in 18k gold match the cases, ensuring brightness and legibility. The pared-down chemin de fer complements the stone dials, allowing their natural beauty to stand out.
A Neoclassical Approach to Watchmaking
The Automatique reflects Biver’s neoclassical approach. Inspired by vintage timepieces, the watch pushes modern watchmaking with clean designs that let the materials take center stage. Whether in solid gold or semi-precious stone, each dial reflects Biver’s commitment to experimenting with materials and finishes.
As Pierre Biver notes, “The Automatique is not just a stepping-stone but a cornerstone of who we are. It’s our vision of 21st-century watchmaking and the foundation for the Maison’s identity.”
Conclusion: Building a Lasting Legacy
The launch of the Automatique reinforces Biver’s mission to combine innovation with tradition. Each piece in the collection reflects the brand’s artistic vision, blending historical influences with contemporary craftsmanship. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate gold dials or the natural beauty of the hard stone Atelier Series, the Automatique is a cornerstone of Biver’s future.
