There isn’t a person alive who’s done more to innovate and bolster the success of the modern watch industry than Jean-Claude Biver. Blancpain, Omega, Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith all owe a huge debt of gratitude to Biver, who today serves as non-executive president of the LVMH group’s watch division. Now, Phillips Perpetual is staging a retrospective exhibition dedicated to the charismatic, straight-shooting 70-year-old visionary. 

Titled Jean-Claude Biver: A Retrospective. Share, Respect, Forgive, the exhibition comprises pieces from Biver’s personal watch collection, lovingly curated over the course of his 45 years in the business. Spanning a century of watchmaking and produced by such esteemed brands as Rolex, Patek Philippe, TAG Heuer and Philippe Dufour, the magnificent and ultra-precious pieces are largely unseen, meaning that the Phillips Perpetual boutique should be the destination for watch lovers in London next week (as if it’s not already?). “I am delighted to be able to share a unique exhibition of my passion for brands, watches and moments which are today an unforgettable part of my career and my life,” exclaimed Biver, who’ll be on hand in Berkeley Square on Tuesday evening discussing the retrospective in a panel discussion and fielding questions from the audience. Hopefully we’ll see some of you there. 

Photos: Phillips Perpetual