Happenings: Fran?ois Perez To Lecture At The Horological Society Of New York

January 30, 2025

What does it take to create a timepiece that transcends mere function and becomes a work of art? How do watchmakers incorporate elements of design and aesthetics into their creations? And what specific skills and techniques are necessary to elevate a watch from a simple tool to an object of beauty and wonder? With a career distinguished by multiple world records in horological innovation, Fran?ois Perez, Technical Director and Movement Constructor at Biver, draws on both his personal achievements and the brand's meticulous approach to advance the art and science of horology. At the February 2025 lecture of the Horological Society of New York (HSNY), Perez will discuss the processes that transform raw materials into exceptional mechanical timepieces. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship involved in creating high-end watches at Biver, as well as the careful balance between preserving traditional techniques and embracing modern advancements. About Fran?ois Perez Fran?ois Perez (1988) was born in Paris and began his schooling at the cole Alsacienne in Paris, later attending the Lyce Saint-Denis in Loches, where he earned a scientific baccalaureate with honors. He then moved to Switzerland to attend the Haute cole Arc Ingnierie in Le Locle, pursuing his passion for precision engineering. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in microtechnology and watchmaking engineering, with a specialization in watch construction and complications.In 2012, after completing his schooling, Fran?ois joined Concepto Watch Factory, one of Switzerland's premier movement developers and manufacturers. He spent the next decade at Concepto creating no fewer than 36 unique movements and setting three world records in the process. Among his creations are the Datora for Breitling, the Tourbillon Chronograph (WR), Finissimo Ultra, and Finissimo Ultra COSC (WR) for Bvlgari, the Bugatti Chiron for Jacob & Co., the Maximus (WR) for Kerbedanz, and the Memoris and Tourbillon Chronograph Memoris for Louis Moinet. These creations, among others, earned Fran?ois a reputation for pushing boundaries and achieving technical excellence across the Swiss watch industry.Fran?ois joined Biver as Technical Director in 2022, overseeing the technical office and managing the setup, recruitment, and development of the brand's watchmaking and decoration workshops, as well as handling logistical operations. He has overseen the development and creation of all Biver watches since the company's inception and continues to work on new in-house Biver calibers, ensuring the brand's continued success and growth. Every watch that leaves the Biver workshop passes under his careful eye before it reaches a customer's wrist. Details The February 3, 2025, HSNY lecture will take place at the General Society Library in Midtown Manhattan, located at 20 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036. Free tickets are required to attend. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the lecture begins at 6 PM. All HSNY lectures are free, open to the public, and video-recorded. Recorded lectures are made available to HSNY members immediately, and to the general public with a two-month delay.Hodinkee is a sponsor of the Horological Society of New York.