Biver, the haute horlogerie watch brand created by Pierre Biver and his father Jean-Claude, has been uncharacteristically quiet since a box office launch in the spring of 2023.
That is not entirely surprising given the company planned to make a mere ten to 15 watches per year — most likely minute repeaters with a tourbillon — with the first delivered at the back end of last year.
The mission was always to focus on collectible watches of apex exceptionality rather than any sort of volume manufacturing.
Not that the company has entirely snuffed out the hype.
In May, 2023, a prototype Biver Tourbillon Minute Repeater Carillon sold for $1.3 million at an auction in Geneva, more than double the anticipated retail price of the watch.
Now 16 months on from its public launch, Biver is stiffening its spine with the appointment of James Marks as its first chief executive.
Mr Marks joins from Phillips Perpetual, a rare collectibles retail business under the Phillips auctioneer umbrella, where he was deputy chairman for watches and international head.
The appointment may signal a shift in emphasis towards growing the business while maintaining its core horological goals and providing Pierre with a business leader and mentor should his father step away from his executive role.
“We are delighted to welcome James Marks to the Biver family,” Jean-Claude Biver says. “James’s dynamic leadership and profound grasp of our vision will propel us forward. His partnership with Pierre will ensure a smooth, long-term, generational transition.”
The Bivers describe Mr Marks as a longstanding family friend and esteemed figure in the luxury watch industry who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the company.
“I am excited to embark on this new journey with James, as well as working with him again. His expertise and forward-thinking approach will play a pivotal role in driving our ideas into the future,” suggests Pierre Biver.