One of the more under-the-radar stories from Baselworld 2018 was the official debut of the TAG Heuer Monaco Bamford. Since 2004, watch mod-authority George Bamford has worked on the outskirts of the watch industry. His creations have ranged from blacked-out Rolex Daytonas to Rolex Yacht-Masters with pop culture icons such as Popeye on the dial. Last summer, recognition came for Bamford in the form of an announcement that he would become the official customization partner for Zenith. This year, TAG Heuer received the same treatment and a commemorative Monaco was released at Baselworld with a carbon case and a pitch-black dial with aqua blue accents. We had the chance to catch up with Jean-Claude Biver, LVMH Head of Watchmaking, and Bamford during the fair. Here?s what they had to say about each other. George Bamford and Jean-Claude Biver at Baselworld 2018.
Biver on Bamford
Logan R. Baker: When did you first become aware of George Bamford and what made you decide that he would make a good partner" 
Jean-Claude Biver: I have known about him for quite a long time. Anybody who is in the watch industry has seen his production. And, anybody who has been in the watch industry has seen he has transformed certain boring watches, into sexy watches. I?ve always admired him. I said, ?God damn, this guy has something special.? He can make a boring watch sexy without changing too much. I said we should also do that. We also make boring watches. We should get some influence, we shou...