Jérôme Biard is a discreet, composed and thoughtful man, still little known to the general public, though that is likely to change very soon. Since early September 2017, this 54-year-old Frenchman has been at the helm of Corum and Eterna. A seasoned connoisseur of watchmaking who came up through Cartier and then Girard-Perregaux, he is known for his ability to surround himself with talent and put it to work. Straightforward, generous, always ready with the right word and a rather “British” sense of humour, Jérôme Biard makes a habit of placing the product and the brand at the centre of the board, letting his teams work in a climate of trust and accountability. Let us wager that this aesthete will manage to revive Eterna and energise Corum, two fine brands with a remarkably rich watchmaking heritage.
On this page
- Which watch are you wearing for this interview?
- What is your greatest achievement in watchmaking?
- What is your favourite watch complication?
- What passions do you have besides watchmaking?
- What is your dream car?
- What is your favourite wine?
- How would you define luxury?
- Which brand best embodies luxury in your view?
- Who inspires you?
- Which quality do you most admire in others, and which flaw of your own do you regret?
- Is there a quote you particularly like?
- What time is it?
| Surname | Biard |
|---|---|
| First name | Jérôme |
| Date and place of birth | 17 August 1963 in Villeneuve-les-Avignon |
| Marital status | Married |
| Number of children | 5 |
| Current position | CEO Corum & Eterna |
| Last three positions in watchmaking | CEO LPI SA International Sales Director, Girard-Perregaux Sales Director Switzerland, Cartier |
| Highest degree | Bachelor’s degree from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne |
Which watch are you wearing for this interview?
A Corum Golden Bridge Round.
What is your greatest achievement in watchmaking?
I will need a little more time before I can reveal it to you.
What is your favourite watch complication?
Management? And the monopusher chronograph for its elegance.
What passions do you have besides watchmaking?
Objects with a soul, generally speaking. As well as painting, cars and tennis.
What is your dream car?
1963 Jaguar E-Type
What is your favourite wine?
For aperitifs, “Le Coup de l’Etrier” by Testuz, and for fine dishes, “Château Palmer”.
How would you define luxury?
Precious, rare moments and objects that stir beautiful emotions.
Which brand best embodies luxury in your view?
Hermès
Who inspires you?
A sportsman, for all his human qualities, who has mastered and elevated his talent: Roger Federer.
Which quality do you most admire in others, and which flaw of your own do you regret?
The ability to be oneself. My main flaw: impatience
Is there a quote you particularly like?
“Passing for an idiot in the eyes of fools is a pleasure for the true connoisseur” Georges Courteline
What time is it?
Almost time for a glass of Chasselas with my wife after a busy day.
Discover the collections of Corum and the expertise of Eterna on their respective websites.
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