Biver Watches Reveals ‘La Danse du Temps’ For Siar Trade Show

 

At the forthcoming Salon Internacional de Alta Relojería (SIAR) in Mexico City (October 17-19), Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver of Biver Watches will release a one-of-a-kind horological masterpiece inspired by the culture of Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration. Created in  collaboration with Mexican artist Joel Niño, the unique creation, “La Danse du Temps” (The Dance of Time), is a work of art and technical advancement.

The Biver father-son duo made waves earlier this year with their debut timepiece—a remarkable minute repeater, carillon, tourbillon watch featuring stone dials. Now, for SIAR, they have taken their craftsmanship to the next level by crafting a one-of-a-kind Carillon Tourbillon timepiece in rose gold, featuring an exquisite onyx dial.

The distinctive dial of “La Danse du Temps” literally seems to reenact a dance of time. It showcases sandblasted motifs inspired by the traditional Mexican “papel picado” paper art, adding a touch of Mexican heritage to the watch’s design. But what truly sets this piece apart are the hand-engraved rose gold appliques that adorn the dial, representing one of Mexico’s most iconic symbols—the calaveras, reminiscent of the iconic catrina by famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

The concept behind this unique timepiece draws its inspiration from the Mexican Day of the Dead celebration, a cherished tradition that embraces a positive outlook on death and the afterlife. In keeping with the Mexican tradition of portraying skeletons with smiles and joyful actions, “La Danse du Temps” features a dancing couple on its dial, symbolizing eternal love and joy. Much like the Day of the Dead, which celebrates memory and the importance of remembering one’s ancestors and traditions, this exquisite timepiece embodies the idea of preserving the past through artistry.

Jean-Claude Biver, in explaining the intricacies of the watch’s complications, emphasizes how the carillon’s (chiming watch) vibrations, the mastery of the invisible, and the fidelity to mechanical watchmaking traditions give birth to the soul of the timepiece, allowing it to transcend time and reach eternity. This parallels the Mexican Day of the Dead’s philosophy of keeping alive the memory of loved ones and cultural traditions.

“La Danse du Temps” is not just a timepiece; it is a work of art that bridges the gap between two worlds, blending the precision of innovative watchmaking with true art, and the craftsmanship of watchmaking with the vibrant, celebratory spirit of Mexico’s Day of the Dead.

Technical Specs For the Biver One-Off  La Danse du Temps

 Functions : Hours, minutes, tourbillon, carillon minute repeater, micro-rotor

Movement : JCB.001-B Automatic caliber, wound by micro-rotor

Caliber characteristics:

Number of components: 390

Jewels: 44 rubies

Diameter: 34 mm

Power reserve: 72 hours

Frequency: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz)

Decorations: white gold bridges, black-polished and grained ; steel components, black-polished and satin-finished ; bevels, black-polished and straight-grained.

 Winding and setting time: via the crown (2 positions)

Display: Hands: Hours and minutes in rose gold

Dial: Polished and sandblasted Onyx base, hand engraved rose gold “appliques”, rose gold hour markers

 Case: 42mm Rose gold

Water resistance: 5 ATM

Bracelet: Rose gold with rose gold and steel clasp