Jean-Claude Biver: A Visionary in the Watch Industry and Beyond
When I met Jean-Claude Biver (estimated net worth: 175 million CHF), I apologized:
“Sorry, I can’t speak French with you, even though I learned it in school.”
His response?
“No problem. The fact that you learned it in school is exactly why you don’t speak it.”
If you stick around until the end, you’ll understand why he answered that way 😉.
I had the honor of recording a podcast with Jean-Claude Biver. Follow me at Ken from chronedo-podcast.com to stay updated on the release!
Who is Jean-Claude Biver?
Biver bought Blancpain when mechanical watches were on the verge of extinction due to the quartz revolution.
But he believed in them and revived Blancpain with tremendous success. Ten years later, he sold the brand to the Swatch Group and joined Omega.
Later, he took over Hublot, scaled it massively, and introduced the controversial collaboration with football players.
He also worked for TAG Heuer and Zenith before founding his own watch brand with his son.
An Iconic Story from the Podcast: “Product Placement in James Bond? No!”
When an employee suggested placing Omega in James Bond movies, Biver initially rejected the idea.
He thought it wasn’t the right fit.
But later, he changed his mind (luckily!), and today, the partnership is one of the most iconic in the watch industry.
This perfectly illustrates his mindset. He listens, he learns, and then he decides.
The Man Who Never Stops Learning
Even during our conversation, I had the chance to pitch him an idea—a digital clone of himself.
A way to pass on his values, even when he’s no longer around.
Many would have laughed it off. But Biver? He listened. Attentively.
No matter how unconventional or outlandish something sounds—he listens first and then decides what to do with the information.
Beyond Business: A Pragmatic Thinker
What impressed me most, besides his humility, is his pragmatism.
He doesn’t believe in overcomplicated concepts. He values clarity and quick decision-making.
And, just like me, he has little faith in the traditional school system.
Biver believes that true learning happens differently—through experience, curiosity, trial, and application.
And that’s the deeper meaning behind his response to me. Learning isn’t what’s written in textbooks. It’s what we do. It’s what we live.
Passion Over Profit—But Success Followed Anyway
Despite never chasing money, only his passion, his wealth was estimated at over 175 million CHF in 2017.
But when you speak with him, you’d never guess. No arrogance, just a man who lives his passion and shares his wisdom.
For me, Biver is more than a businessman. He’s a philosopher.
He reflects on life, on mortality, and on what truly matters.
And that’s what makes him so fascinating.