In recent years, Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo was primarily known for sourcing the world’s rarest vintage watches. Their team of experts are committed to sharing their passion with the widest possible audience. In its continuing search for exclusive horological moments to enjoy with this audience, Phillips had the great pleasure to cross the path of Jean-Claude Biver, better known as a cornerstone of the modern Swiss Watch Industry, who helped build, influence and cement the destiny of watch brands such as Blancpain, Omega, Hublot and more recently Tag Heuer and Zenith. He now serves as Non-Executive President of LVMH’s Group Watch Division.

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Visionary, taste-maker, leader, legend and charismatic are just some of the recurrent adjectives that come to mind when describing Mr. Jean-Claude Biver, a man whose brains are behind the meteoric rise of some of the most iconic luxury watch brands in the industry.

While most watch collections are composed of the owner’s favourite models, and Mr. Biver's certainly is no exception, his is that more special because it contains watches that he has been personally involved in creating, launching or promoting, and which have not only marked his exceptional career, but have changed the watchmaking landscape all-together.

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Phillips is absolutely honoured to present “Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective. Share, Respect, Forgive” a very special exhibition through the eyes of an industry luminary. This non-selling exhibition exclusively consists of Mr Biver’s private collection of watches and will be held in Geneva during Phillips’ watch auction weekend, from November 7 to 10, 2019 at Hotel La Réserve. This exhibition will then tour across three continents over the coming months in Hong Kong, New York and London. Models presented include exceptional pieces of horology made by some of the world’s most important watchmakers notably Patek Philippe, Rolex and independents like Philippe Dufour and Rexhep Rexhepi, or by brands Mr Biver represented notably Blancpain, Omega, Hublot, Tag Heuer or Zenith.

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Jean-Claude Biver, Non-Executive President LVMH Group Watch Division, said: “Having celebrated 70 years of which 45 in the watch industry, I am delighted to share with the lovers of horology a unique exhibition of my passion for brands, watches and moments which are today an unforgettable part of my career and my life.”

Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant Bacs & Russo and James Marks, International Specialist and joint exhibition curators, commented: “Jean-Claude Biver is a larger-than-life man and one of only a small handful of visionaries in the Swiss watch industry who must be credited for having brought true innovation, created thousands of jobs and likely one of the best ambassadors the world of horology ever had. We are incredibly honored to call him a friend and be entrusted with this unique and largely unseen selection of highlights from his personal watch collection, spanning a century of watchmaking and many of the rarest brands, most fascinating complications and, very importantly, personal watches that marked his 45-year long distinguished career. We are very much looking forward to welcoming enthusiasts around the globe in the coming months on 3 continents where Jean-Claude Biver will personally be present and engage with collectors during panel discussions and lectures”.

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The exhibition is open to the public and entry is free.

Exhibitions:  7-9 November at the Hôtel La Réserve in Geneva, Switzerland

Thursday 7: 10am-9pm

Friday 8: 10am-6pm

Saturday 9: 10am-5pm

Sunday 10: 10am-4pm

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The exhibition will then tour across three continents over the coming months in Hong Kong, New York and London.

For more information visit Phillips Online.