Andreas Altmann from Giberg and his Dragon’s Time Vault
The jewellery world splits into two distinct realms: the high-profile names that splash big budgets on flashy marketing, and the true powerhouses of the industry, where deals are still sealed with a handshake and the quality speaks for itself.
Andreas Altmann is firmly in the latter category. A true Swiss master, Altmann comes from a long line of jewelers, and in 2012, he founded Giberg—an exclusive Swiss company that crafts extraordinary timepieces with unrivalled precision. But his work doesn’t stop there. From designing “golden staircases” and “meaningful gifts for politicians,” to creating “family heirlooms” and “rings that leave an unforgettable impression,” Altmann’s creations are as unique as the people who commission them.
“I got into jewelry at a very young age,” says Andreas, whom we had the pleasure of meeting at BaselWorld, one of the world’s most prestigious jewelry exhibitions. As we asked him about his famous creations—like the world’s most expensive golden dragon, adorned with 7,739 diamonds, and the world’s most precise “flying” tourbillon—Andreas’s booth attracted visitors from his hometown, including the mayor and even his family’s banker. His reputation is flawless!
“When I was an apprentice, I was obsessed with every detail. I wanted to create one-of-a-kind works of art! In my first year, I designed my own jewelry collection. Soon after, I left my hometown of Biel for Geneva and began working on commissions for the legendary Asprey. After perfecting my craft with stones, brands like Chopard and Rolex started to order from me. At just 24, I launched my own company, Altmann Casting, specializing in high-tech casting for the jewelry industry. Within no time, top luxury brands became our clients. We did it all—from design and models to stone setting. Today, Altmann Casting is a leader in the luxury segment, and I’m proud that many of the world’s top jewelry brands trust our expertise.”
After sharing a glass of champagne, Andreas proudly shows us his masterpiece—a five-kilogram golden dragon he spent years creating just for himself. This dragon is now the symbol of his Giberg brand, which he founded in 2012. He felt it was time to step out from the shadows of famous names and showcase creations made with his own hands. The dragon made waves at BaselWorld 2018, earning a spot on Forbes’ list of the most extraordinary items.
“Ten years ago, my children, Andrian and Justine, joined the family business, Altmann Casting. I knew the company was in great hands, so I decided it was time to focus on my own creative work. I’m a true romantic, and I’ve always been drawn to legends and heroes. The Ahton dragon has been a part of my life since childhood, representing wisdom and power. It’s my personal talisman. With a team of top-tier professionals, I set out to create a sculpture so flawless and unique that it would remain one-of-a-kind for years. The dragon is our symbol, and it’s not for sale.”
Since then, Andreas has poured his creativity and expertise into a collection of exceptional pieces under the Giberg brand, earning admiration from true jewelry connoisseurs.
“The ideal client,” says Altmann, “is someone who isn’t afraid to dream big and express their most extravagant wishes”.
“With me, anything is possible—whether it’s technical, aesthetic, or beyond. My experience and creativity allow me to find extraordinary craftsmen and bring to life designs no one has ever seen before. In the jewelry world, we can make anything! The only limit is the stars!”
But Giberg isn’t just about big, expensive pieces. To be truly unique, a creation doesn’t have to be massive or over-the-top. Altmann’s passion for artistry shines through in more “accessible” items like rings, bracelets, lighters, or locket frames. It’s not about the price—it’s about creating something that reflects the client’s personal taste and style. Designing earrings or pendants that catch the eye is one thing, but making them truly special by adjusting every detail to fit the client’s preferences is what makes it personal and one-of-a-kind.
The service at Giberg is just as exceptional. Each piece is delivered personally by a company representative, ensuring the client’s signature and a satisfied smile. This way, if something’s not quite right, there’s no need to go through middlemen to explain the details—like asking for those buttons to be mother-of-pearl.
Giberg is also known for its exclusive timepieces. Altmann’s perfectionism and artistic vision pushed him to create more than just top-quality Swiss watches. His goal? To create the best—something completely unique and fascinating. This drive led to the creation of the Trilevis 6118, a flying tourbillon of unmatched precision that works perfectly, no matter the position of the watch.
Today, Giberg has three stunning watch models that feature this unique mechanism: Niura, Olora, and Alagaro. The name “Niura” instantly caught our attention, and we wondered if there was a bit of famous Russian writer Bulgakov who liked the name in Andreas’s past. But no, it turns out he’s simply a huge fan of Russian ballet, Swan Lake, and Anna Pavlova, who was affectionately called “Nyura” as a child.
“Niura takes me back to ancient times, to forgotten kingdoms and the richness of lost cultures, just like the golden dragon,” says Altmann with a sigh. “For me, complexity and depth are what make jewelry special. Take the Olora watch—it’s inspired by the graceful dance of the dying swan. Then there’s Alagaro—a powerful, masculine design, noble and a bit rugged.”
It’s clear that traditional marketing doesn’t work for creations like these. What truly stands out is the grace and meticulous craftsmanship that go into each piece. So, after shaking Andreas Altmann’s hand, we make plans to meet again with Giberg and its incredible creations next year, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of this dazzling jewellry journey.
