Contrast & Harmony

When it comes to complicated timepieces, all too often the technical details overtake the bigger picture, reducing a watch to a list of numbers and specifications. At Biver, we strive to push beyond this perspective, making technical mastery the foundation on which we build artistic watches with unique and varied personalities. The Carillon Tourbillon and the Calibre JCB-001 at its core are both extremely complex, but they also serve as platforms on which we can experiment with different natural materials, classic finishing techniques, and new design ideas.

The Carillon Tourbillon Desert Rose does just that. It takes the now familiar profile of the Carillon Tourbillon and gives it a bright new look through the combination of contrasting materials. The white mother-of-pearl has a lustrous finish with iridescent swirls throughout, and the central section has a deep guilloché pattern, adding additional depth and reflecting light across the dial. On top of that are 12 slim, faceted rubies, adding dashes of crimson across the otherwise monochromatic display.

“This watch is an ideal embodiment of our signature watchmaking style, ” says Biver co-founder and creative director Pierre Biver. “Both mother-of-pearl and rubies have a rich history of use in watches, going back centuries. But here they are treated in a new way, brought together so that each emphasizes the qualities of the other, creating a harmonious effect in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. ”

Beyond the dial, the 18k rose gold case has a strong, architectural profile, with long faceted lugs and the concave bezel playing with the light and giving the watch additional dynamism. This effect is furthered by the custom-designed 18k rose gold bracelet, which uses alternating brushed and polished surfaces to emphasize the visual impact of its movement on the wrist. Every element of this watch works in concert with the others, playing with the light and offering new details to enjoy.

This watch also sends a message about what the Carillon Tourbillon can be more broadly. “One of the key takeaways from this watch is the sheer diversity of design possibilities that the Carillon Tourbillon offers, ” says Biver CEO James Marks. “This piece can serve as inspiration and whatever the client’s personal taste – neoclassical, artisanal, or contemporary – they have complete freedom to create a fully personalized watch if they choose. ”

Whether it’s the Carillon Tourbillon Desert Rose itself or the broader possibilities it suggests, one thing is clear: The boundaries of what can be achieved through classical watchmaking techniques are only restricted by one’s creativity and openness to new possibilities. At Biver we always seek to push further, expanding these limits and ushering in a new generation of watchmaking art.