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Bovet, the “virtuoso” watchmaker
New Models

Bovet, the “virtuoso” watchmaker

Thursday, 07 March 2013
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Christophe Roulet
Editor-in-chief, HH Journal

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3 min read

The models presented this year by Bovet Fleurier demonstrate its mastery of complications and superlative movement finishing. Such craftsmanship is displayed in the Amadeo, Récital and Bovet by Pininfarina collections.

At the Hollywood Domino & Bovet 1822 Pre-Oscar Gala in late February, actor Gerard Butler was adamant that Argo would take the Oscar for best picture at the next day’s ceremony. That his prediction proved spot-on focused even more attention on the event, sponsored by the Fleurier-based watchmaker and benefiting the non-profit organisation Artists for Peace and Justice. Bovet’s logo featured on all the shots of guests in their tuxedos and gowns, adding a touch of celebrity glamour to the brand whose timepieces are as carefully crafted as an award-winning film.

Light as air

This year the company is showcasing its extensive expertise in new models that join the Amadeo, Récital and Bovet by Pininfarina collections. The talent of its master-engravers in particular is given opportunity to shine in the Amadeo 7-Day Skeleton Tourbillon with reversed hand-fitting. “We wanted this watch to represent a bouquet of flowers as it comes into bloom,” explained Christophe Persoz, head of communications at Bovet. “Usually the creative process begins at the design office, then production gets involved and lastly the finishing. In this instance, the engravers were brought on board from the very beginning, which is how we achieved such an interlacing of volumes on a skeleton watch. We were able to “fashion” a timepiece without making any technical concession.”

This same aerial quality returns in the Amadeo Virtuoso whose movement is literally suspended between two arms. Again, Bovet demonstrates the fusion of technical dexterity and decorative arts that defines its work. Specifications include a five-day tourbillon, jumping hours, retrograde minutes and reversed hand-fitting.

A consistent whole

The Récital 10 returns to the core qualities of this collection, launched in 2006, with an hours, minutes and power reserve model that borrows the aesthetic codes of a tourbillon in the same range, launched in 2011. The Récital line is also joined by the Récital 9 Tourbillon Miss Alexandra with precision moon phases and a form movement. As the brand explains, “the movement of the Récital 9 Miss Alexandra Tourbillon is built between two three-quarter plates. Alongside the technical advantages of such a construction, it offers a generous space for the tourbillon carriage whose increased diameter achieves even better precision timing results. This anthem to femininity is the first timepiece by Bovet to be graced with an oval-shaped case.”

Récital 9 Tourbillon Miss Alexandra © Bovet Fleurier

With the Tourbillon OttantaTre, the fourth timepiece to seal the partnership between Bovet and Pininfarina, the feted Italian design firm which this year celebrates its 83rd year, the watchmaker presents a new movement with jumping hours, retrograde minutes, power-reserve indicator and reversed-hand fitting. “This is an extremely rare combination of complications that implies, among other skills, the ability to master two instantaneous jumping displays,” adds Christophe Persoz. The final word goes to Bovet: “Tradition and avant-garde vision, technical sophistication and craftsmanship, design and Haute Horlogerie, such are the apparently antagonistic criteria that Bovet’s craftsmen have succeeded in orchestrating into an entirely consistent whole.”

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