Jean-Claude Biver, renowned in the world of luxury watches, has once again demonstrated his passion for art and horology with the launch of a one-of-a-kind timepiece under his Biver brand. The ‘Biver Carillon Tourbillon La Danse du Temps’ watch draws inspiration from Mexico’s vibrant culture and is set to make its debut at the prestigious SIAR wristwatch show in Mexico City.
Biver, who co-operates the Biver brand alongside his son Pierre, is known for his profound love for art, and this watch is a testament to his creative spirit. The watch’s name, though in French, honors Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday—a festival rich in tradition and color.
The artistic centerpiece of this timepiece is a hand-engraved gold dial featuring dancing skeletons. The artwork, designed by Mexican artist Joel Niño and engraved in Switzerland, pays homage to Diego Rivera’s iconic Day of the Dead skeleton paintings. Rivera’s reinterpretation of La Calavera Catrina, a female skull adorned with an oversized hat, into a full skeleton dressed in Frida Kahlo’s style, gave birth to the modern Catrina—a symbol deeply ingrained in Mexican identity and integral to Day of the Dead celebrations.
The Day of the Dead, rooted in indigenous rituals that date back 3,000 years and later influenced by Catholic traditions, is a joyous celebration of life. Families come together during this time to honor their loved ones through music, dance, food, and the adornment of graves and altars. The Biver Carillon Tourbillon La Danse watch captures the festive spirit of this cherished Mexican holiday.
Beyond its artistic expression, the watch boasts impressive technical features. Encased in 18k rose gold with a matching five-link metal bracelet, the watch is both luxurious and practical. Despite its complexity as a chiming musical minute repeater, it offers a water resistance of up to 50 meters. The base dial is crafted from black onyx stone, adorned with applied markers and indexes.
Powering the watch is the caliber JCB.001-B movement, a 390-component, hand-decorated marvel. It incorporates a tourbillon and a complex carillon-style minute repeater with a high number of notes. This automatic movement operates at 3Hz and provides a generous 72-hour power reserve. Enthusiasts can admire the intricate movement, complete with chiming hammers and gongs, through the sapphire crystal case back.
While the Biver Carillon Tourbillon La Danse watch is visually captivating and culturally relevant, some may wonder whether Jean-Claude Biver could have pushed artistic boundaries further. Known for his intellectual approach to art, some expected a more avant-garde creation from the Biver brand. However, the watch is likely to find its audience given its price tag of $675,600 USD.
In a world where art meets horology, the Biver Carillon Tourbillon La Danse du Temps stands as a unique tribute to Mexico’s vibrant culture and the enduring artistry of watchmaking.
