Latest news with #Biver
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
A visionary and Hublot 4.0
Murakami wearing the MP-15 Tourbillon Sapphire. — Photo: Hublot After Julien Tornare took the helm at Hublot in September 2024, he coined a phrase that encapsulates his vision for the Swiss watch brand: Hublot 4.0. More than just a playful nod to being Hublot's fourth chief executive and a tribute to his predecessors, it also signals the next chapter in the brand's evolution – one the 53-year-old Swiss is eager to story began in 1980 with Carlo Crocco, an Italian visionary who introduced a watch that fused gold cases with natural rubber straps. This audacious combination redefined luxury timepieces and quickly found favour among watch fans, including celebrities. Then came Jean-Claude Biver, the industry legend credited with reviving Blancpain and Omega. In 2004, he took over a stagnant Hublot and injected it with fresh energy. One of his first moves was launching the Big Bang series in 2005, a game changer that blended high-tech materials with avant-garde design. Under Biver's leadership, Hublot joined the LVMH luxury empire in 2008. Fellow Swiss Ricardo Guadalupe, who had worked closely with Biver, took over in 2012. His tenure was marked by global expansion and deeper investments in innovation, cementing Hublot's position as a powerhouse in the luxury watch industry. Fast forward to 2024. Eight months after leaving Zenith to become head honcho of Tag Heuer, Tornare received an unexpected call from Frederic Arnault, LVMH's then newly appointed head of watches. The offer? The top job at Hublot. Asked if he was surprised by the offer, he says in crisp Swiss-accented English: 'Yes and no. I wasn't expecting the change to happen so quickly, but I always knew I was a good fit for Hublot.' Although he requested two days to mull over the offer, he had made up his mind on the spot. 'It took mere seconds to decide,' says Tornare. 'When you feel connected, you just know.' Comfortably ensconced in a sofa at the Hublot boutique in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the economics graduate from the University of Geneva is known in the watch industry as a 'transformer'. It is a fitting title. At Zenith, he took annual sales from 80 million Swiss francs (RM426.8mil) when he started in 2017 to more than 120 million Swiss francs (RM640.2mil) when he left in 2023. His goal at Hublot? To rediscover the magic that made it an icon. 'I want to bring back that sense of excitement. Hublot has always been about breaking rules, about fusing tradition with the unexpected. 'That's what I want to push even further,' he says, adding that he has already commissioned a new advertising campaign and will be announcing fresh collaborations in the next couple of months. Enthusiastically, he talks about how Hublot's flagship watch, the Big Bang, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, a milestone he is leveraging to redefine the brand. He likens the watch to German luxury carmaker Porsche's legendary 911 model: 'The core design stays, but it must evolve constantly.' The Swiss luxury watchmaker, he says, is preparing to introduce a Big Bang that blends the revered original design with two decades of innovation. 'Think of it like mixing classic DNA with modern boldness,' he explains, his hands moving expressively. 'It's respecting the past, yet preparing for the next 20 years.' His time so far at Hublot, he says, has gone smoothly. He then launches into an animated spiel about how he has galvanised his teams, pushing for innovation from every corner – marketing, design, research and production. 'I'm asking them to bring new initiatives, new ideas. Because this is what Hublot is about. 'Innovation is our gasoline,' he emphasises passionately. 'It's in our blood.' Tornare will have you know, however, that he is not just about forward momentum. He is equally invested in elevating perceptions of Hublot's craftsmanship, which he feels has not been given enough credit. 'We're not just flashy marketing,' he insists. 'Hublot has serious watchmaking expertise.' This is an area he understands intimately, given his background with Vacheron Constantin and Zenith, companies celebrated for their precise movements and mechanical ingenuity. 'Elevating technical excellence – that's central to my vision,' he says, adding that he wants consumers to appreciate the intricate artistry beneath the brand's bold exterior. The ebullient man is also doubling down on what he calls Hublot's emotional drivers: sports, art and music. Hublot, famous for its collaborations with global sporting legends such as French footballer Kylian Mbappe and artists like Japan's Takashi Murakami, will soon rekindle its connection to music – another of Tornare's personal passions. Grinning, he describes the Hublot customer as bold, entrepreneurial and expressive. 'When you wear a Hublot, you're making a statement,' he says emphatically. 'It's for people who like fun, action, who aren't afraid to stand out.' Leaning forward conspiratorially, he adds that Hublot fans have enthusiastically invited him to nightclub outings on his visit. 'That's so Hublot. It's fun, dynamic, vibrant. It suits me perfectly.' Trade wars, geopolitics and conflicts are creating a lot of uncertainty in the world, but he is not too worried about the sluggish economy. Instead, he sees opportunity. 'Markets always have ups and downs,' he says with a shrug. 'My job is to prepare Hublot for the rebound.' His strategy involves careful market management, avoiding oversupply, and investing strongly in innovation and authenticity. 'Brands fail when they chase trends,' he cautions. 'Authenticity matters. We must remain true to Hublot's spirit.' Asked where he sees the brand in five years, he says excitedly: 'Hublot will be celebrating its 50th anniversary then. We want to do something unforgettable – mark a major milestone in watchmaking history, do something people will always remember.' As the conversation draws to a close, Tornare reflects briefly on his reputation as a 'transformer'. He grins modestly, accepting the description. 'It's true,' he admits. 'But transformation isn't about changing who we are. 'It's about becoming even more authentically ourselves.' — The Straits Times
Hype Malaysia
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Biver & Breguet Serve Centuries Of Elegance With 2 Stunning New Drops
When it comes to elegance, it pays to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Anyone can rock a fancy two-piece suit, but only a few can make unique luxury watches work. From a limited-time creation to a ballroom-ready piece, these chronographs are designed to set you a tier above the rest. Breguet Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 In commemoration of the Maison's 250th anniversary, Breguet's recently unveiled Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 represents a significant milestone. T Limited to just 50 pieces, the watch honours 26th June, 1801, a significant date in the history of horology, when Abraham-Louis Breguet received the first patent for his revolutionary tourbillon invention. This watch's dial is painstakingly crafted from aventurine enamel for the first time in Breguet's illustrious history. It vividly captures the enigma and splendour of the night sky with its deep blue tone, subtly speckled with shimmering copper particles. To produce a dial that is both technically remarkable and aesthetically poetic, this complex process necessitates multiple firings at extraordinarily high temperatures. Because aventurine is handcrafted, no two dials are exactly alike, highlighting each piece's distinctive individuality within this extremely limited production run. The hand-wound Calibre 187M1, a movement designed solely around its flying tourbillon, is the soul of the 38mm 18K Breguet gold case. A gold base and a hidden tourbillon bezel beneath the surface give the impression that the tourbillon is floating, elevated 2.2 mm above the main plate and 0.9 mm above the enamel dial. As a result, a horological constellation comes to life in a captivating display of symmetry and suspension. Signature Breguet elements, such as a Quai de l'Horloge guilloché caseback and a proprietary gold alloy, complete the piece by fusing innovation, tradition, and celestial inspiration. The Classique Tourbillon Sidéral 7255 is an exquisite piece that encapsulates the storied brand's rich history. A single copy is priced at US$226,000 (~RM953,833). If you'd like to know more, visit Breguet's official website. Biver's Carillon Tourbillon Jean-Claude Biver and his son Pierre Biver founded the luxury watch company Biver, which has unveiled two new versions of its first watch, the Carillon Tourbillon. The new references, which are available in titanium and two-tone with rose gold variations, reinterpret the technical intricacy of the original with a more subtle aesthetic. Both models still have the Calibre JCB.001-B movement, which includes a tourbillon, minute repeater, and micro-rotor. However, the tourbillon is now hidden beneath a textured dial that is reminiscent of Automatique. The vintage-inspired design is completed with faceted white gold hands, applied hour markers, and a white gold chemin de fer, providing a subtle yet elegant appearance. While the Titanium version embraces a sleek, monochromatic look, the Two-Tone model combines titanium with 18k 5N rose gold for a cosy, vintage feel. Both watches have the same complex mechanisms as their predecessors, despite having simple dials. The only outward indication of the intricacies inside is the minute repeater slide on the left side of the case. A custom bracelet with faceted, asymmetrical links and a simple link adjustment system is included with every model. Additionally, these are offered in rose gold and titanium or in full titanium. The architectural details of the watches are echoed by matching cufflinks with concave bezels and hand-brushed gold inlays. The new Carillon Tourbillon Signature Series, which retails for CHF475,000 (~RM2,510,802), can be purchased through Biver's official stores as well as its international retail partners. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Stuff.tv
27-06-2025
- Business
- Stuff.tv
The Zenith Chronomaster Original gets a stunning blue upgrade
Zenith has taken one of its most iconic watches and given it a stunning new twist. The Chronomaster Original – the spiritual descendant of the 1969 A386 and one of the first watches to house the legendary El Primero calibre – is now available with a stunning midnight blue dial. It's the first time Zenith has paired the Chronomaster Original with a full blue dial, and it's a beauty. The brand's signature tricolour subdials (grey, dark grey, and light blue) are still present and correct, but now they sit on a rich blue background that adds a classic edge to this classically styled chronograph. The silver 1/10th of a second track circling the dial provides a crisp contrast, improving legibility while adding to the drama. The 38mm stainless steel case stays true to the 1969 blueprint. It's round and bezel-less, with pump-style pushers, faceted lugs, and a mix of polished and brushed finishes. It's compact, wearable and distinctly vintage in feel, though the performance under the hood is anything but… Powering the watch is the El Primero 3600, Zenith's updated high-frequency chronograph movement. It beats at 5Hz and tracks time down to 1/10th of a second via a central seconds hand that whips around the dial once every ten seconds. It's precise, fast, and visible through a sapphire case back that also reveals a column wheel and open-worked rotor. Buyers get a choice of a classic three-link steel bracelet or a blue calfskin strap with matching stitching – both fitted with folding clasps. Whether you go for steel or leather, this blue-dial Chronomaster feels like a fresh yet faithful tribute to a genuine horological icon. It's available now from Zenith boutiques and the brand's online store, priced at $10,300 / £9300. Liked this? Biver hides a serious watchmaking flex in its latest release
Stuff.tv
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
Biver hides a serious watchmaking flex in its latest release
At first glance, Biver's latest watch looks understated – clean lines, no cut-outs, and a simple two-hand display. But don't be fooled. Hidden beneath the dial is one of the most technically ambitious movements in modern watchmaking: a tourbillon and carillon minute repeater packed into the same case. It's a serious flex, hidden in plain sight. The Carillon Tourbillon was the first Biver watch, launched in 2023, and previous models have all made a point of showing off their mechanics, especially the dramatic tourbillon at six o'clock. However, the new Signature Series Two-Tone and Signature Series Titanium models go the opposite way. They hide the complications entirely, with a layered gold dial inspired by the Biver Automatique and its neoclassical styling. Both watches use the same case and Calibre JCB.001-B movement as before, with its platinum micro-rotor, 72-hour power reserve and 374 individually hand-finished components. But this time, the tourbillon sits quietly behind the dial. The only sign of complexity is the minute repeater slide on the left-hand side of the case – a subtle hint that there's more going on than the minimal dial suggests. The Two-Tone version combines titanium and rose gold, while the Titanium edition goes full monochrome (one of my favourite watch trends of 2025), with white gold accents. Both watches feature faceted white gold hands and markers, an applied chemin de fer, and come on Biver's sculptural asymmetrical bracelet with a new quick-adjust clasp. Each model is also offered with a pair of matching cufflinks – titanium with brushed gold inlays, designed to mirror the architecture and finish of the watch. For Jean-Claude Biver, the move marks an evolution of his brand's philosophy. 'This is a new expression of that complication that perfectly embodies Biver watchmaking as our brand continues to grow and evolve,' he says. With a price of 475,000 CHF each (approximately US$600,000 / £430,000), these watches are very much collector territory. Still, they're also a refreshing take on high-end watchmaking: complex on the inside, quiet on the outside. A grand complication that's more about satisfying the wearer than showing off to everyone else. Liked this? Vacheron Constantin's latest Grand Complication is made up of almost 700 pieces
Forbes
11-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Biver Releases Two New Automatique Watches
The new Automatique watches come in yellow gold It's difficult for a new watch brand to make a splash and enter the top echelons of horology, but Biver is not just any independent watch brand. It was founded by the legendary watch executive Jean-Claude Biver — who brought his magic touch to Omega, Blancpain, TAG Heuer, and Hublot — and his son, Pierre Biver. The brand made an instant splash with the launch of its audacious first timepiece: the Carillon Tourbillon. The gem-set carillon tourbillon watch made a striking statement with superb gemsetting and attention to detail that only someone with decades of watch knowledge could achieve. It garnered instant praise for the elegant design, crystal-clear sound, and exceptional finishings, even if the price tag of $550,000 raised eyebrows as a launch piece. Jean-Claude Biver In September 2024, Biver released a model with a relatively more affordable price under $100,000. The Automatique is a time-only three-hand watch, but don't mistake its restrained elegance with being basic. 'Simplicity is the hardest form of design,' says Yoni Ben-Yehuda, Head of Watches at Material Good, the exclusive US retailer for Biver watches. It's a difficult task, 'to create something that is both incredibly simple and also new and nuanced and complicated in its design.' The Automatique was introduced in two series. The first has a rose gold or platinum case with complementary-colored dials, and the second, the Atelier Series, offers limited-edition watches with fantastic stone dials. The contrasting finishes gives the watch a vintage feel. Today, Biver unveils two new watches in the Automatique collection, returning to one of the most classic looks in horology: yellow gold. The first has a yellow gold case with a matching solid 18K yellow gold dial. It combines two contrasting finishes — polished and brushed gold — on the case and lugs, which adds visual interest and prevents the watch from being too ostentatious, always a worry with a full-gold timepiece. The dial also plays with finishes, with a textured minute track and alternating vertical brushing and circular graining on the inner rings. The contrasting anthracite-coated gold applied hour markers add a vintage feel to the dial. It retails for CHF 75,000. The use of carbon fiber on the dial is unusual and striking. The second model is part of the Atelier Series, but uses carbon fiber instead of a stone dial. The use of carbon fiber is unique in watchmaking, since it's integrated into the dial instead of as a case material, as is common on many sports watches. CEO James Marks says, 'Our new carbon and gold dial offers a contemporary alternative to natural stone, and the Atelier Series Carbon Edition is a fascinating gateway to relating our creations to disciplines like art, automotive, and maybe even travel in the future.' Ben-Yehuda is impressed with the way in which the carbon fiber lends a sporty edge to the classic dress watch. 'It's a really exciting exercise in design to try to marry the two ideas of the dress watch and the sports watch, because brands usually end up succeeding in one vertical or the other,' he says. 'It's very difficult to be able to create a piece that speaks to both of those clothing design languages and styles. And I think with this timepiece using the carbon and the dial and the very kind of classically beautiful 39 millimeter Biver automatic case, they are entering kind of uncharted territory and being able to marry the two ideas of a dress watch and a more sporty execution of that.' It's less expensive than some of the stone dials in the Atelier Series, priced at CHF 89,000. Calibre JCB.003-C has exceptional finishings. The 39mm watches are powered by the proprietary Calibre JCB.003-C, created by Dubois Dépraz with Biver. The manufacture built this movement from the ground up, creating a slim caliber measuring 4mm in height that has the potential to be the base calibre for future complications. The watch displays the hours, minutes, and seconds on three central hands, and is powered by a bi-directional micro-rotor that offers 65 hours of power reserve. It's water resistant to 80m. The caliber boasts the superb finishings that Biver is known for, including guilloché, Clous de Paris, anglage, and mirror polishing. It's the level few independent brands, such as Greubel Forsey, can achieve. In person, the attention to detail and the high level of finishings is striking, even for a jaded watch journalist. Some components are so highly polished they almost appear to be covered in a holographic coating, thanks to the way in which they reflect the light. The watches are available for purchase in the US at Material Good, and a limited number are being sold on the Biver website.
