The myth of Jean-Claude Biver is as much a man, as the man himself. While many people wouldn’t necessarily consider the CEO of a watch brand a celebrity or an icon; to watch lovers and people working in the industry, few people have the level of respect and close to attention that Mr. Biver enjoys. And enjoy it he does. The prize for the man’s calculated efforts is a sense of pride and a pat-on-the-back attitude that comes naturally. Bright faced and wide-eyed, Jean-Claude Biver (JCB) often has the enthusiasm of a teenager. Nevertheless, Jean-Claude prefers the simple joys in life, and is approachable in a way that can’t be said for most men at the helm of high profile brands. Aside from his deeds as a watch maker, Biver is amusingly known second best for his famous cheese making — a true Swiss, he does not disappoint.
I had a rare opportunity to spend time with Mr. Biver on what I can only describe as a “bring your journalist to work day.” I fly to Switzerland, and travel to the Hublot headquarters outside of Geneva in Nyon. This is where the magic happens, and where so many watch industry eyes are permanently focused.
If Hublot is loved by watch consumers, JCB is loved by watch industry people. My lifestyle involves participating in conversations with people from many watch brands. Few times does a name come up more often than Biver — even more so than Mr. Hayek of the Swatch Group. There is an almost universal sense of respect and awe aimed at JCB and what he has done with Hublot. It also makes employees of his competitors want his watches — which most of the time they simply aren’t able to do without upsetting their boss.
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