“Time shows no respect for what is made without it”, wrote Paul Morand. Bovet is well placed to grasp the truth of that statement, since it has had wait many long months before harvesting the fruits of its labours. In some cases even long years for the timepieces composing the 2014 vintage to reach full maturity – especially when it comes to its brand-new entirely in-house crafted calibre. Referring to it by its full title – Calibre Spécialité Horlogère Virtuoso 2 – already hints at the fact that this is not just another new movement. Following in the wake of the tourbillon movement presented by Bovet in 2006, this mechanical gem that took no less than eight years to create is destined to equip a large proportion of the Bovet collection. That is why it was specially designed to match the distinctive characteristics of the brand’s timepieces, and particularly their reversibility. The first model to house the Virtuoso 2 is the Recital 12, in which it has been cased up in reverse so as to better reveal the extremely high level of the finishing as well as its technical prowess. The new Recital 15, which masterfully combines jumping hours and retrograde minutes, currently houses the Virtuoso 2, but this time with a five-day power reserve instead of the seven days offered by the Recital 12.
Vertical integration, femininity and complications
While 2014 represents a milestone in the drive towards vertically integrated production, it also brings the concretization of several major horological projects. On the one hand, a reinforcement of the feminine range that began three years ago with two graceful interpretation of the Amadeo Fleurier in a 36 mm diameter. This new watch christened “Miss Audrey” comes in gem-set steel with a 36 mm diameter and a choice of turquoise or light purple dials (picture on top of the page).
In an entirely different register, Bovet is pursuing its partnership with Pininfarina, which has given rise this year to the Sergio split-second chronograph, named after the son of the man who founded the famous Italian design studio. Inspired by the Ferrari concept car created by Pininfarina in 2013 to celebrate its 80th anniversary, the Sergio comes in a 250-piece limited edition reprising the vehicle’s main signature features, while a mechanical self-winding movement ensures perfect high-precision timing.
2014 also spells horological complications for Bovet, which is unveiling the most complicated timepiece in its modern history. The Amadeo Fleurier Tourbillon Virtuoso III features a tourbillon movement with a five-day power reserve and a retrograde perpetual calendar. The star model among the new Bovet releases, this mechanical gem boasts exceptional readability while providing plenty of space and transparency for the tourbillon. Achieving this meant opting for a retrograde display of the hours and minutes, while the date is clearly indicated by two transparent discs at 3 and 9 o’clock.
This compendium of inventive features combined with extremely meticulous finishing is issued in a 39-piece limited in red gold or white gold.
