Hands on Biver Latest Additions to the Automatique Collection, Atelier Carbon and Yellow Gold

In late 2023, we met with Jean-Claude Biver. At the time, the Carillon Tourbillon had just been launched and was the only model in the new Biver brand’s portfolio. Mr. Biver announced that the next collection would be an elegant and simple time-only watch, smaller in size and more accessible in price than the Carillon. Most importantly, he emphasized that it would be crafted to the same high standards as the Carillon Tourbillon.

Biver was referring to the second collection, the Automatique, whose latest releases we are pleased to present today. These two standout pieces are crafted in yellow gold, marking the first time this metal has been used in the collection, following earlier editions in platinum and rose gold.

Biver introduces two versions: the first is a refined, classic timepiece with a yellow gold case and dial. The second takes on a sportier spirit, incorporating carbon fiber. Notably, the carbon fiber is not used in the case. Instead, the case retains its elegant round form and is crafted entirely from yellow gold, while the dial is made of carbon fiber, featuring its distinctive texture and rich black hue that pairs beautifully with the gold.

This meticulous attention to finishing and material choice is only the beginning. Inside, the mechanical movement is also finished to an exceptional standard. Every component is decorated by hand, with embellishments typically reserved for dials of haute horlogerie pieces now applied to the movement itself. The result is a caseback that offers a view worthy of being called a miniature work of art.Both editions come in a classic round yellow gold case, maintaining the same design codes established in earlier rose gold and platinum Automatique models. The case measures 39 mm in diameter and is just 10 mm thick. 

The crown bears the initials "JCB" for Jean-Claude Biver and features an elegant, ergonomic design. The slim, polished bezel is inspired by vintage round watches, complemented by a slightly domed sapphire crystal. Among the highlights are the hand-soldered lugs. The caseback is secured with four screws and reveals the movement through a flat sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated to 80 meters.

The new Automatique comes in two distinct executions. The first features a dial entirely crafted from yellow gold, with a meticulous finish that creates striking visual contrast. The outer and center rings are vertically brushed to showcase the natural beauty of gold, while the middle ring features a circular finish that gives the dial a two-tone look reminiscent of vintage timepieces.

The applied hands and markers are hand-polished, with beveled edges in anthracite grey, offering sharp contrast against the golden dial and enhancing legibility. All elements are crafted in gold and then treated with a grey coating.

The second version presents a bolder, sportier character, with a dial made of carbon fiber and yellow gold. For the first time in the Atelier series, Biver uses a dial that is not made from natural stone.

The carbon fiber dial is adorned with polished gold hands and markers that stand out against the dark background. The woven texture of the carbon fiber catches the light at various angles, creating dynamic reflections in shades of black and grey.

As with all Automatique models, the minute track runs around the outer edge of the dial, crafted in yellow gold in both versions. Located outside the hour ring, it ensures excellent legibility, with Arabic numerals at five-minute intervals and prominent minute markers.

Powering these new releases is the JCB-003 caliber, developed in collaboration with Dubois Dépraz, one of Switzerland’s most respected movement manufacturers. This automatic movement is built solely to indicate the time, making it ideal for a compact daily watch. Beyond its high level of finishing, the movement has been designed with performance in mind and engineered to support additional complications in the future.

It features a micro-rotor made of 22-carat gold and beats at a frequency of 25,200 vibrations per hour (3.5 Hz), with a power reserve of 65 hours. The movement includes a hacking seconds mechanism and a reset function, whereby the seconds hand snaps back to 12 o’clock when the crown is pulled, enabling precise time setting.

All components are decorated to the highest standards using traditional finishing techniques that give the movement its unique identity. These include bridges adorned with Clous de Paris motifs, a micro-rotor featuring an intricate guilloché pattern, sharply beveled edges, and a mix of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The result is a breathtaking movement that reflects the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and detail.

The elegance continues with the straps. The gold-dial version is paired with a black nubuck leather strap featuring tone-on-tone stitching and a yellow gold pin buckle. The carbon dial version comes with a black rubber strap featuring a braided texture and leather lining, complementing the watch’s sporty aesthetic. For those who seek the ultimate in luxury, a yellow gold bracelet with a folding clasp is available on request.The new Biver Automatique Yellow Gold and Atelier Carbon editions will be available through the brand’s network of authorized retailers in the coming months. A limited number will also be offered for direct purchase via the Biver website at launch. The Yellow Gold edition is priced at CHF 75,000 (approximately AED 321,300), while the Carbon edition retails for CHF 89,000 (approximately AED 381,300).

For more information, visit Biver Watches official website.