A ‘simple’ model with ambitious plans.

Ambitiously showcasing their personal capabilities with their debut model, the Carillon Tourbillon, the Biver father-and-son company has finally unveiled a simpler model: the three-hand Biver Automatique.

Of course, "simpler" should be taken with a grain of salt when talking about an independent luxury watch brand. You only need to turn the watch over to see the movement, or zoom in on the dial's finishing to appreciate the level this watch is on.

The novelty houses a movement that was specially developed in partnership with Dubois Depraz that boasts remarkable finishing and specs.

The JCB-003 has a micro-rotor made of 22K gold, which provides a 65-hour power reserve, and uses a zero-reset mechanism for the seconds hand to ensure precise time-setting.

The balance beats at a frequency of 25,200 vph. Its hairspring has been made by the company Precision Engineering AG (owned by the MELB group, which also includes H. Moser), while the escapement has been made by the company Nivarox.

But the finishing on components is particularly impressive: all of the components visible deep down the layers have something to surprise you with.

The central sections of the bridges outlined with raised edges are hand-decorated with the Clous de Paris guilloché pattern. The chamfers have been taken and polished, while the flanks are brushed.

The eye is also drawn to the alternating finishing from one steel component lined up to the next. The movement's wheels aren't so simple either: they've been given serpentine spokes. The list goes on.

The JCB-003 movement should lay the foundation for new complications and future collections. It may well be the first step in the formation of a serious brand with a well-thought-out concept. Biver is gradually leaving the comfort zone of a cozy family business.

This was evidenced by another recent move — news broke in the middle of summer that someone outside the family had been appointed as the company's CEO. Pierre and Jean-Claude Biver's company welcomed James Marks on board, who spent many years working for Phillips auction house.

The Biver Automatique is being launched with four dial configurations. The model is available in rose gold or platinum with rose-gold and platinum dials, while the watches in the Atelier Series have obsidian and pietersite dials.