Jean-Claude Biver is most definitely one of the most influential man in modern watchmaking for his vision, energy and passion which contributed in making what mechanical watchmaking is today.

So when we heard recently that he would retire from all operational role as the head of the watchmaking division of LVMH, meaning Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith, well this for sure came as a big surprise. Mr Biver could have easily retired many times before, his career and reputation already established, but he is inhabited by a real watchmaking passion.

In this long interview, we come back on his full curriculum, from childhood trigger, to his first step at Audemars Piguet, followed by a brief passage at Omega before relaunching Blancpain with the success we all know about. The brand was then sold to the Swatch Group and he joined back Omega and doing what it took to redevelop the famous brand with key partnerships and iconic products. After 10 years, he embarked on a new entrepreneurial project with Hublot, but this is where we'll take back the story in the second part of this interview.

Enjoy!