Horological Meandering

As has been reported by the French magazine Challenges, and later corrobated by several online media including Hodinkee, Watches by SJX and others, watch industry legend Jean-Claude Biver has decided to step down from his active and hands-on operational role as President of the Watch Division at LVMH.

According to a telephone interview with media agency Reuters given today, the decision has been mainly initiated by JCB's health problems. Reuters cites Biver's inimitable picturesque style: "“I’ll no longer be cutting the onions and crying in the kitchen early in the morning, I’ll just come later to see if they are ready,” said Biver, who has been suffering from serious health problems in recent months. He said he was doing better, but had not yet fully recovered."

Jean-Claude Biver is a true industry titan, having been instrumental in the resurrection of Blancpain, thereby spearheading the revival of the entire mechanical watch industry, later Omega, and finally Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith. His accomplishments are legend, his (oftentimes controversial) personality, his captivating energy and charisma as well.

I very fondly remember a lunch in Le Brassus in mid-2003 where JCB explained to me the vision he had when working on the rebirth of Blancpain - drawing on a napkin:

As of now, it is not clear who is following his footsteps. What transpired though is that 23-year old Frederic Arnault, son of LVMH’s Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault, will take over the position as head of strategy and digital at TAG Heuer.

All these news break on this very day, the 69th birthday of Jean-Claude Biver. I am not sure that this is the birthday gift he intended for himself. However, health does not take personal wishes into account. I therefore wish JCB all the best for his future, speedy recovery, and please don't be a stranger to us!

Take care (I really mean it!) - you'll be thoroughly missed here and in the entire industry!

Magnus

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