Jean-Claude Biver in Singapore: Hublot & Charity

SJX's 2009 account of Jean-Claude Biver's visit to Singapore offers a compelling portrait of a legendary figure in watchmaking. The post captures Biver's unique blend of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, particularly his generous pledge to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It also provides a glimpse into his engaging personality and the community's enthusiasm for Hublot at the time.

A few days ago Jean-Claude Biver was in Singapore and retailer The Hour Glass organised a dinner for collectors. Hublot fans were out in force and Jean-Claude did not disappoint. He is a tremendous personality who is an entrepreneur, entertainer and evangelist rolled into one. After dinner gave a brilliant speech that was philosophical, amusing and always engaging. He didn't mention Hublot at all, in fact he said he no longer wanted to talk about watches - I think he no longer needs to.

He spoke about how lucky he has been in life, and how some others are not so fortunate. So he pledged to donate 1000 Singapore dollars to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps seriously ill children fulfil a wish, for each Hublot watch owned by the guests at the dinner; Jean-Claude is the master of the grand gesture. The guests were to write down the model and serial number of their watches and submit them to The Hour Glass. A wonderful gesture from a successful gentleman.

Jean-Claude, or Biver-san as he likes to call himself, made his rounds to each table, taking photos and shaking hands.

He brought several kilos of his famous cheese (mentioned in The Economist here: http://www.economist.com/people/displaystory.cfm?story_id=14857221) and it was worthy of its reputation.

The Million Dollar Black Caviar Bang was on shown and it is a might impressive watch. It looks oddly subtle because of its colour.

Better and more photos of the event to come.

- SJX