Within the world of watchmaking, it is immeasurably difficult to turn any corner or explore any avenue without encountering the name of one man: Jean-Claude Biver. His achievements in the watch industry are truly phenomenal, and it seems everything he touches turns to gold. I have watched many hours of interviews with him, and he is honestly one of the most engaging, enthusiastic, and passionate speakers I have come across; someone I personally find quite inspirational.
The Wizard of Swiss Watchmaking
“The Wizard of Swiss Watchmaking” is one of very few books about Jean-Claude Biver and comprises a series of interviews with the man himself conducted by Gérard Lelarge. As you would expect, the interviews largely focus around Biver’s incredible career, however there are discussions about everything ranging from how he found his passion with watchmaking, his philosophies on everything from family, friends and business, and even cheesemaking!
This is not a book that is just packed full of long stories and anecdotes from a storied career. Lelarge poses a far-reaching range of questions, teasing some fascinating insights out of initial answers with well thought out follow-up. For me personally, having seen countless videos and talks by Biver, the authenticity and honesty with which he answers each question is palpable, and I think that this book provides a fascinating insight into the mind of one of the true legends of the watchmaking world. Jean-Claude Biver has a truly unique way with words, and this is just as evident through these interviews as during an animated response in a video!
Earlier this year, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to visit an exhibition at Phillips auction house in London to view some of Jean-Claude Biver’s personal collection that was going on sale, which was entitled “A retrospective: Share, Respect, Forgive” (read about this here). This philosophy constitutes Biver’s golden rule; in this book we learn how he applies it across the entire spectrum of his life, whether it be personal or professional. We also learn in a similar vein how his marketing genius has been built on being first, different and unique, and careful use of provocative marketing – for example succeeding in selling watches at the international Basel Fair without having a single watch to show!
I found this to be a really enjoyable read, and given it is relatively short it is something that can be finished easily of an afternoon. A highly recommended way to get a deeper insight into the mind of an entrepreneurial genius, true leader, and one of the watchmaking world’s real good guys.
You can follow Jean-Claude Biver on Instagram @jcbiver.
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You might also be interested in:
- Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective, Share Respect Forgive
- Spotlight: Blancpain Villeret collection
- Influential Watchmakers: Abraham-Louis Breguet
- Watch Stationery and Gift Ideas
- Watch Books, Watch Boxes and more at the Watch Affinity Shop on Amazon (commission earned)
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