A must-see: Jean-Claude Biver’s private watch collection presented by Phillips

#phillipsauction #jeanclaudebiver
Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective. Share, Respect, Forgive
This is NOT a video we taped and produced, this is a video done by the auction house Phillips founded in London in 1796. I am extremely proud to be able to share this VERY, VERY emotional video with you here on our KZbin channel.
Thank you Phillips! Thank you Arthur! Thank you Aurel!
Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo is honored and delighted to present Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective. Share, Respect, Forgive, a traveling exhibition of the industry titan’s private collection.
Click on the link to get to the article written by Arthur Touchot:
www.phillips.c...
Headquartered in New York and London, with offices throughout the world, Phillips conducts sales in a select number of categories: Contemporary Art, Photographs, Editions, Design, Watches and Jewelry. Additionally, the core art business includes special exhibitions, private sales, advising private estates and corporate clients, museum and arts sponsorships, and consulting.
In recent years, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo was primarily known for sourcing the world’s rarest vintage watches. Their team of experts are committed to sharing their passion with the widest possible audience. In its continuing search for exclusive horological moments to enjoy with this audience, Phillips had the great pleasure to cross the path of Jean-Claude Biver, better known as a cornerstone of the modern Swiss Watch Industry, who helped build, influence and cement the destiny of watch brands such as Blancpain, Omega, Hublot and more recently TAG Heuer and Zenith.
He now serves as Non-Executive President of LVMH’s Group Watch Division. Visionary, taste-maker, leader, legend and charismatic are just some of the recurrent adjectives that come to mind when describing Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, a man whose brains are behind the meteoric rise of some of the most iconic luxury watch brands in the industry.
Phillips is absolutely honored to present “Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective. Share, Respect, Forgive” a very special exhibition through the eyes of an industry luminary. This non-selling exhibition exclusively consists of Mr Biver’s private collection of watches and will be held in Geneva during Phillips’ watch auction weekend, from November 7 to 10, 2019 at Hotel La Réserve. This exhibition will then tour across three continents over the coming months in Hong Kong, New York and London. Models presented include exceptional pieces of horology made by some of the world’s most important watchmakers notably Patek Philippe, Rolex and independents like Philippe Dufour and Rexhep Rexhepi, or by brands Mr Biver represented notably Blancpain, Omega, Hublot, Tag Heuer or Zenith.
Exhibitions Details: 7-9 November at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva, Switzerland
Viewing Open:
Thursday 7: 10am-9pm
Friday 8: 10am-6pm
Saturday 9: 10am-5pm
Sunday 10: 10am-4pm
The exhibition will go on an international tour, with stops scheduled in Hong Kong and New York during our upcoming end-of-year sales, before heading to London during the first months of 2020.

[@zoobee]

'regrets are heavy, dreams are light'.....what an amazing man and an amazing character

[@WatchAdvisor]

In fact JCB is!

[@hasse9048]

Jay Paul at what time?

[@TheBhargavsai]

This guy is one of the most interesting people I've ever seen

[@WatchAdvisor]

Bhargav Sai I couldn’t agree more!

[@SWatchik]

I love how he winds almost every piece, and you can hear it. Something subtle but really shows his enthusiasm

[@madgpol]

Such a nice gentleman. I purchased a Hublot Ice Bang because of his passion for the brand. Could listen to him all day long

[@sergeyzerkin8029]

JC Biver, reminds me so much of Niki Lauda which sadly left us recently .. they both have this cute accent.. both have so much charisma and understanding of what perfection and character is about. I saw Niki twice, once he was picking up his children form the school and once in a pizzeria. Both of the times he looked a lot me in the eyes for some reason. It's so sad how time kills everybody and everything.

[@Kxji]

Is so crazy seeing this comment cause I was just thinking the exact same thing.

[@TheBhargavsai]

Yeah even i felt he looked like Lauda

[@dgb6355]

What a man!! JCB is so inspiring. Young Biver starting a collection with Top notched watches, well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Pierre will make his way in the industry ... If the two, Jean-Claude & Pierre, create their own brand this will be something stunning for sure... not cheap, but stunning!

[@jamaicanlegacy5772]

I always enjoy listening to Mr. Biver, he is very knowledgeable not only about horology but other matters too. A Renaissance Man. In addition, he speaks an array of languages fluently. May God bless you always.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks for sharing these wonderful lines with us!

[@jamaicanlegacy5772]

@@WatchAdvisor You are very welcome. Thanks for your great interview. Keep up the good work!

[@Mthusiast4life]

It is a pleasure seeing a father and his son sharing the same passion. Bringing me to tears...

[@aromaticsnail]

I simply love to listen to M. Biver's stories. And it's amazing after hearing him before talking about his collection to finally see it. Fantastic initiative!

[@WatchAdvisor]

And you can see his watches in real. Please check the description of the video to learn more ....

[@paulfriend8610]

Excellent video. A great man. I hope he gets his brand with his son.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Me too! These watches will be rare and very, very special under all aspects... I don’t dare to think about what they will cost...

[@joshn.5625]

I could listen to him talk for hours.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Josh Nisker Not only you, Josh. JCB Trubels is inspiring ...

[@Alexeologist]

I can literally listen to his stories all day, seriously!

[@WatchAdvisor]

If you want to understand this industry you have to listen to JCB & Co.

[@stardust4711]

One of the greatest of all time in this industry. I love his stories He s also a genius in marketing Thank you for sharing

[@WatchAdvisor]

Let me pass on the credits to PHILLIPS... 😉

[@AbdulRWatches]

JCB is a Legend that we should cherish 👍 Thanks for the great video

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks to Phillips for sharing it with us!

[@timetraveler1681]

Great interview to allow Mr. Biver to tell his passionate and amazing stories. Glad to see his son follow in his father's footsteps.

[@WatchAdvisor]

I just met Pierre again here in Geneva he is proudly presenting the exhibition of the watches of his father. He is a smart young man and he will make his way.

[@timetraveler1681]

@@WatchAdvisor Fantastic. As he grows I hope he picks up his father's contagious personality and enthusiasm. He needs to embrace that aspect as well.

[@SuryaK.B.]

JCB -- what a charismatic man, bless his heart! I could sit and listen to him talking about the history of his collection for hours. Thank you for the video, it put a smile on my face.

[@afarhan21]

Amazing stories, couldn't have come from anybody but Mr. Biver!

[@WatchAdvisor]

That's why I asked PHILLIPS for the right to repost the video...

[@andreaiacolina]

From a legend as Mr Biver, we couldn't expect nothing less an astonishing collection with great stories behind it.

[@WatchAdvisor]

That's true! You either have it or you don't ... And JCB has tons of it, tons of real tick-tack running around his blood

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

Always a pleasure.

[@rzr77]

😳 Breathtaking collection. Mr. Biver is fantastic. His enthusiasm is infectious, and I love listening to him speak.

[@WatchAdvisor]

One could listen for hours when he speaks! JCB has a lot to tell!

[@rzr77]

Thank you for this fantastic interview and video, WatchAdvisor.

[@Meltedbutta7]

AMAZING collection! A watch lover's dream. His son is so lucky! It's great to see that he appreciates and loves watches like Jean

[@WatchAdvisor]

For a father it is for sure an incredible feeling to experience such moments... I am very happy too that my 23 year old daughter also loves mechanical wristwatches...

[@Amen20]

Apart from my family this is the most important person in the world to me, and I didn't even met him. All the best JCB. You gave me so much passion and knowledge, Thank you.

[@jimfou4164]

Yes I can understand i got same feeling years ago for him

[@WatchAdvisor]

Tom, where are you based? That’s amazing what you have been writing here! In what particular way did JCB inspire you? What are you doing? Forgive me that I ask so many questions but you made me speechless and now I am very curious. You should meet JCB once!

[@Amen20]

@@WatchAdvisor Thanks ! I'm based in London but I'm working all around the place to the end of the year. I'm a building and land surveyor capturing 3d structure models around the Europe. He inspired me to create my own company that will be born in less then 6 months in Poland - central europe, I will be first, different and unique than anyone else in this region of the world. I would love to spend couple minutes with the legend itself, would me world to me...

[@WatchAdvisor]

Tom Saint Super interesting! Thanks for sharing. You should keep me posted and you should meet JCB. Write an email, I have an idea...

[@dariodeagostini5176]

I see a JC Biver video, I watch it with attention, I like. He's a GREAT guys. Love everytime he talks.

[@WatchAdvisor]

One could listen for hours when he talks... That's so true!

[@gabefore]

Truly magnificent. A lifetime of passion for watches that may be unequalled

[@adriana2567]

Always great to hear wisdom from Mr Biver

[@WatchAdvisor]

One could listen for hours...

[@oxysoxos]

A well-made and very interesting video. Jean-Claude Biver is always great to watch and listen to. I hope he stays with us in good health for a long time to come. I wish him all the best.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Which was your favorite watch he showed us and talked about?

[@oxysoxos]

@@WatchAdvisor His collection is so exclusive and outstanding it's pretty much impossible to single out one watch as a favorite. So many extraordinary pieces.

[@WatchAdvisor]

oxysoxos I fully understand! Mine is the PATEK PHILIPPE Reference 1518 in pink gold, with pink dial...

[@TheHagestol]

Jean-Claude Biver’s enthusiasm is eternal.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Jean-Claude Biver was and is a source of inspiration...

[@suckgames]

Beautiful interview. Thank you WatchAdvisor.

[@RoelfvanderMerwe]

This was done by Phillips Auction house. WatchAdvisor just reposted the video

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks to PHILLIPS in Geneva!

[@tommyrin5969]

Please keep the interviewer. He's doing a great job.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Arthur is working with PHILLIPS and is a wristwatch expert... I can’t keep him, since he never worked for us. But what we can do is a video with Arthur where we talk about ticking collectibles...

[@whatsup4616]

Always fun videos when Mr. Biver talks about watches. Maybe the most passionate man in the watch community...👍

[@WatchAdvisor]

He represents those movers and shakers you don’t really find anymore... more and more these guys get streamlined...

[@pilotstyle123]

This is what a collection looks after a lifetime of collecting. My favourite collection of them all.

[@WatchAdvisor]

These are the best of the best watches from his collection ... If you are in Geneva you can see them live during the next weekend. All information is mentioned in the description of the video ...

[@sadaka201]

Fantastic collection!

[@WatchAdvisor]

True! Which one did you like most?

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

I would love to hear his thoughts on the Snowflake and Spring Drive. Lovely video!

[@robin2thek]

I love this video! It’s awesome and beautiful. And it’s so nice to see his son and hear his story! Love it!

[@WatchAdvisor]

JCB is a living legend, a very good father and very proud of his son Pierre...

[@Ram-jw9ry]

As a child I played with markers and pencils because my parents were too poor to afford actual action figures. “As a kid I remember going into my fathers office and playing with his watch box of Rolex’s and expensive watches”. 🤯 God bless JCB. Truly an amazing man.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Very touching what you write! Respect! To grow up in Biver’s family of course meant getting in touch with watches very soon...

[@korakatar7921]

Amazing! It was a real privilege to see the collection and hear his views on each piece!

[@chinmay52]

People like stainless steel watches these days a lot. Sure enough, it is seen in the market when you go to any dealer anywhere. But it is always pieces like the Patek Philippe dual-Sided Cloisonné Enamel pocket watch with the boat and the Patek building scene which makes me admire these watchmakers so much more. I feel there is a superior level of craftsmanship involved in pieces like those. I don't know how many people like the rare handcraft models made by various watchmakers, but if I were a collector, I'd chase them more than the popular stainless steel watches.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Interesting read! Thanks for sharing!

[@IULENZA]

I watched some videos with JCB and I think that behind an immense business man and entrepreneur there's also a great man with a beautiful philosophy of life

[@WatchAdvisor]

That's very true! Biver is extremely charismatic, thinks positive and knows how to use the power of love...

[@alexp3752]

As an entrepreneur for close to four decades, I am constantly inspired by great leaders and visionaries. Mr. Biver is one of mine!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Alex P I met him when I was very young and just started my career in the industry, since then we are friends and I learned a lot from JCB so far. Just recently I called him and asked him for advice... we talked for almost one hour...

[@watchesoflondon2333]

What a wonderful man!!! For someone to recognise his competition and have such warm compliments and admiration for Patek it’s heartwarming to hear. More companies should use their competitors to aim towards a strive to match and surpass.

[@WatchAdvisor]

So true! 😉

[@julzmax956]

Watch Snobs everywhere clutch at their hearts when he busted out the Hublot.

[@andreicmello]

I think if anyone in the world gets a pass for wearing one, it is JCB, right?

[@saschagizzi4272]

JCB is a great and damn cool guy! Always very very pleasent to hear him talk about watches.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Sascha Gizzi “great and damn cool guy” He he! 😉

[@zhbroder]

its not a JCB video unless he slaps a table

[@WatchAdvisor]

zac 😂🤣😂🤣😂👍👍

[@Tisala]

Now that was a collection. Throughly enjoyed watching that. The history behind it just added value.

[@ianmedium]

Between him and his son I can see a Biver watch brand appearing sooner rather than later and knowing from past interviews he is scaling back a bit due to his recent health issues that would be a wonderful cap to a fascinating career I think and hands the Baton to the next generation beautifully

[@WatchAdvisor]

If it is feasible there will be a Biver watch-brand. I would dare to bet!

[@lawrenceg7341]

Always a pleasure and inspiration to listen to Mr Biver to talk about, well, anything.

[@markplayford5836]

The collection is amazing however compared to the man himself mere trinkets. The passion flows out of every pore, God bless you Jean-Claude I do hope you live much longer than another 30 years and create another brand in your family name.

[@ahmedsallam1179]

No one has a collection like this Mr. Biver is a legend

[@WatchAdvisor]

JCB is a living legend!!!! I couldn't agree more!

[@rideyalife]

"when you are 18 you are entitle to be stupid, problem is don't be stupid when you are 60" JCB....True!! :D

[@liamcusack5475]

What a fantastic man! Even after decades of been around watches he is still mesmerised by their beauty. Fantastic chemistry between him and his son. I truly enjoyed this video

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks for sharing our passion!

[@SinnerAndSaint]

JCB is a true legend! Such an inspiring person. He did SO much for the industry. My absolutely favorite is the picture at 6:14 - power to the youth! Thanks for this very entertaining video @WatchAdvisor

[@WatchAdvisor]

Daniel Z. You are 🙏 welcome! Thanks to Phillips once again from my side for sharing the video with us on WatchAdvisor.

[@florenziasenna5041]

haha diamond watch..... #classsyyyyyyy

[@neoLover23]

Now THAT is a collection !

[@WatchAdvisor]

A collection worthy a JCB!

[@momokadawi8955]

EXCELLENT COLLECTION !!!

[@WatchAdvisor]

In fact! And this is "only" the best of...

[@mpbreyes9144]

Great video! It's always a pleasure to listen to Jean Claude Biver talk about the watch industry and his passion for watches in general.

[@WatchAdvisor]

It ist! Very true! Thanks for sharing your thought!

[@Chrissepisje]

I agree, although he never lets anyone finish a sentence. If that's down to his enthusiasm: More power to him. If it's down to something else, it might be somewhat annoying. :)

[@atom999]

Truly special man and a truly special collection.

[@amitfromisrael5006]

always a pleasure to hear JCB our guru for watches

[@red-ju5vo]

Great film. Really captures the essence of special man and his passion.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Love your comment, thanks for sharing!

[@Dakshmarwah]

One of the best videos you guys have posted.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks to PHILLIPS... it’s their video .... When I saw it just after publishing I immediately called them and asked to let me me share... voila...

[@danchapman5944]

Wow..... What a video!!!!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Once again thank you PHILLIPS for letting me share this one...

[@Milan-ese]

What a collection, he keeps on surprising us every time he appears in public!

[@FirestormAA]

Wow what an interview!!!!!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thank you PHILLIPS and thank you Arthur! We are only reposting this wonderful video! I saw it and I asked PHILLIPS to let me share it...

[@wernerjacq]

Grandfathers and watches.... seems to be part of us all, watch enthusiasts.... Communions and getting your first watch, but then, your watch ends up in a safe...so recognisable for people born in the 60’s and early 70’s from Europe... puts a smile on my face...

[@ianmedium]

wernerjacq so true, I live in Austria and friends of mine purchased ten years ago an IWC, JLC and Breguet for their three sons for when they graduate university which will be in the next five years. Until then the watches remain in the safe in their boxes

[@WatchAdvisor]

The same happened to me by the way. My father bought me a watch and it ended up in the safe. It’s only years later I got it. Luckily my father had a very good taste and he knew what he bought ... 😉

[@alexp3752]

The journey through life often affords those who will listen the privilege of learning the wisdom of not only a grand master but a true gentleman. In this case, that is Mr. Jean-Claude Biver...

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

JCB is such an awesome human being!

[@CleverSmart123]

Great story and stunning pieces. Thanks for sharing!

[@WatchAdvisor]

I liked the video very much and also JCB's watches...

[@P0werCore]

Wow 🤩 what an amazing collection

[@WatchAdvisor]

JCB has the means a very good taste. And he knows what he is buying...

[@jurje007]

J C Biver is a man of passion... I just love this guy for his bold movements.

[@WatchAdvisor]

JCB is 1000000000000% passion!

[@donjuan150]

You asked the perfect questions....great presentation...

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks once again to PHILLIPS and to Arthur!

[@LeCalibre]

Thanks for this lovely video that made us know a lil bit better M. Biver !

[@barrycolmer324]

That was a superb video, thank you. I just love to watch Jean Claude speaking at any time, so it was great to hear about his collection. As for a brand of his own....that just has to happen. Biver!!! it just sounds good already and would leave a lasting legacy

[@WatchAdvisor]

Once again thanks to PHILLIPS! It was their idea to put this collection together and to show it to collectors around the world. The video impressed me when I saw it, that’s when I asked them to share here with us...

[@christianellopm]

I got a slap in the face for my first communion.

[@WatchAdvisor]

christianellopm I got a mechanical wristwatch too... and I still have it... and some times I also got a slap in the face too but not for my first communion...

[@christianellopm]

@@WatchAdvisor they both serve a purpose and perhaps the same lesson! :D

[@robinbauer1975]

Oof

[@simonassouline45]

What a wealth of knowledge and history, this most influential gentleman created and transcended in the past, present, and future for the High Horology World! Truly amazing and inspiring, Jean Claude Biver is! Thank You, Sir!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Jean-Claude Biver is an ultra-charismatic personality and a driving force to further develop and to protect the incredible heritage of the Swiss watch industry ...

[@robertreynolds9228]

Great vid fellas! The collection is amazing to say the least. Jpb is a knowledgeable man.

[@illitrait]

...what a guy. What a life. The energy this man radiates!

[@WatchAdvisor]

JCB incredible… he is still active and loaded with lots of energy…

[@illitrait]

@@WatchAdvisor ...love his work, but please let him know we still await a Biver which the 'average guy' can afford.

[@WatchAdvisor]

In a couple of years there will be an entry price level for his watches… I don’t know yet at what price though…

[@oldschool8432]

What a wonderful father an son. I hope this man gets his dream an legacy "his brand"

[@angusmcintosh1857]

Inspiring man, inspiring collection.

[@WatchAdvisor]

There is not a second JCB in the industry. He is one of a kind...

[@MrJffranco5777]

....which is also not bad!...lol, what an understated compliment for a Patek. I always enjoy Mr. Bivers interviews.

[@AfrikanGod1]

great chat...thanks for the share!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Deidade Kalondjo You are welcome!

[@danchapman5944]

One of the many things I love about JCB is that he collects and relishes Patek and Rolex watches - despite them being his arch rivals throughout his career. Will you find Mr Porsche with a collection of Ferrari?

[@WatchAdvisor]

Biver is open minded and pretty relaxed... Since he started from scratch and he had seen what happened with the Swiss watch industry after the quartz crises he appreciates what talented watchmakers and engineers were/are able to do. That differentiates him from lateral entrants coming from elite universities. The letter if not opening their mind do in fact endanger the industry...

[@php-xv2cw]

Awesome video, many thanks for such qualitative content about watches ! Cheers from France !

[@WatchAdvisor]

You are very welcome and I pass the compliments to PHILLIPS... I proud to be able to share this video with them ...

[@adhithyasodhi3203]

Incredible man & career. Thanks for this privileged insight

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks for sharing your passion with us!

[@thewristwatchexperience8153]

Great collection - but man he loves wearing that Big Bang!

[@suncity22001]

passion personified.

[@locutusdborg126]

A pivotal person in the watch industry.

[@WatchAdvisor]

I couldn't agree more!

[@mrb317]

JCB - legend.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Agreed!

[@robertp5123]

An amazing story……it’s great to see the current success and looking forward to the future with more to come with his son.

[@WatchAdvisor]

End of March we will know more 😉

[@CJ-rb3do]

JCB is one of us. He’s a true watch nerd. However, does he present his collection everywhere. Ive seen this collection in, hmm, maybe three different places.

[@WatchAdvisor]

I would say a selected group of people he trusts. I saw them in a video with Benjamin Clymer ... Where else did you see them? and I think it is the first time the watches are going to travel live around the world... on the weekend you can see them in Geneva...

[@dooks85]

Great video. I love JCBs energy. Thank you for sharing

[@WatchAdvisor]

Our pleasure!

[@wristroll_vlad]

Loved this movie. So special… Thanks for making it and for sharing it with us!

[@WatchAdvisor]

You are welcome!

[@WatchMeEDC]

I enjoyed this video so very much. Mr. Biver is just a joy to listen to and what an icon! I loved the rainbow 🌈 Daytona clip, too funny. This is now one of my favorite videos with him. Well done to the host and camera crew.

[@WatchAdvisor]

The video was entirely filmed and edited by auctioneer Phillips in Geneva ....

[@ID-Guy]

I Love This Channel.

[@ucanhnguyen5813]

I do love your channel too :x

[@WatchAdvisor]

@IDGuy Thank you very, very much! I would like to return this compliment!

[@stevenuk]

very interesting, excellent content..

[@WatchAdvisor]

Thanks to PHILLIPS! When I saw the video I asked them to let me share it with all my viewers... And there we go you seem to like it as much as I do ...

[@leemartin2978]

What a class act ..congratulations

[@TheBadGuy1974]

Didn't see one Invicta...... Call that a collection?

[@WatchAdvisor]

Anon Ymous 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@vinijohnson4695]

I’ve seen them at Sam’s Club.

[@Maxheylor]

Holly smokes, make a movie about him.. I'd watch it 408953 times ..!!!

[@WatchAdvisor]

Simoes Joaquim He he! 👍

[@robertsullivan4773]

OMG I almost didn't watch this video. I didn't know where it fit in the watch advisor universe. But what a fascinating man. I was wishing I was there so I could ask him questions. The video wasn't long enough.

[@WatchAdvisor]

Didn’t you watch the interview with JCB we taped during Baselworld 2019?

[@robertsullivan4773]

@@WatchAdvisor You posted so much out of Basel last march I got eye fatigue I'll go back and check it out now.

[@robertberthiaume7301]

Très bonne entrevue avec des passionnés de montre. Bravo.

[@WatchAdvisor]

MERCI!

[@titor8017]

This was great!!! From the three of you.

[@sealevelbear]

Man, I am amazed 🤩

[@WatchAdvisor]

We all should be amazed!

[@nautika1]

Very nice video respect these guys so much

[@estatehomes]

Congrats. Nice video. A still beauty shot of each watch for a few additional seconds after the discovery would've made the video a bit more fulfilling. Thanks for your efforts.

[@WatchAdvisor]

I will pass your feedback to Philips Auctioneers. It is their video, they filmed it...