WORLDTEMPUS - 24 June 2010
Elizabeth Doerr
Bovet's Amadeo was introduced in January as a new concept for the company, and indeed the idea—while not necessarily new—is unparalleled in its user-friendliness. It can be worn as usual on the wrist, on a chain (as a pocket watch or a pendant), or set up as a table clock.
I wore it for several days in Geneva during an event. After spending some time practicing converting it from a wristwatch to a pendant watch and back, I was fairly confident that I would be able to wear it any way I chose over the four-day period it was in my possession.
I put the watch on its 26 cm heavy red gold chain and went to dinner, feeling very slightly self-conscious about wearing a watch in this unaccustomed manner. I continually lifted my left wrist—which now felt inexplicably light—to see the time, only to remember that it was actually hanging around my neck. In order to see the time, I had to lift the watch and turn it upward toward me. This was not problematic, though I did feel self-conscious at first doing it and—naturally—surreptitious glances at my wrist to subtly see the time during dinner were no longer possible.
Roy Davidoff, one of the instrumental behind-the-scenes figures involved in development at Bovet, explained to me that the company does not use movement holder rings. Thus, the elegantly decorated 11 ½ line automatic Frédéric Piguet caliber that runs the classic beauty is held within the 43 mm case by filling it with the same 18-karat solid red gold that the case is made of. Thus, this gold watch is probably even heavier than a normal one. The first evening I wore the Bovet Amadeo, it indeed felt a bit heavy and I often had the sensation of my neck being pulled downward.
This feeling did not last for long, and by the next morning I was used to it. Dressing in a light spring business suit for my appointments of the day, the pendant watch matched in a wonderfully elegant way, and indeed even male heads of some of the industry's most renowned watch/jewelry firms known for their superior style were complimenting the way I was wearing “my” watch. Women, in particular, were immediately struck by the elegant timepiece and I was often drawn into conversations that had me explaining the concept.
Having to energetically look at the time caused the watch to be discussed with me more often, and thus I found that many people I came into contact with during these days were quite surprised and interested in it. Many commented on its classic beauty, and how unusual, though beautiful, it was to wear it around my neck.
In the evenings in the hotel, I pulled out the back to make it a table clock and enjoyed the sight of its classic beauty from anywhere in the hotel room. This Piguet caliber has a 72-hour power reserve, which makes great sense for this particular model. The classic dial is also outfitted with a discrete power reserve indication, which is needed to ensure there is enough remaining energy, particularly if it not worn on the wrist. Davidoff warned me I would not need to wind it while it was in my possession. I did not believe him at the time, so I kept a close eye on the power reserve—and he was right. Even on a pendant, there was enough kinetic energy to keep the mainspring at least at half mast throughout the entire period I wore the watch.
On my final day with the Amadeo, I wanted to wear it on my wrist, but I was a little late getting up so I was pressured. In the short amount of time left to me, I found it was impossible to convert properly. So if there is anything like a disadvantage to this watch, perhaps that was it. However, I am sure, that with more practice it easily would have become second nature. I fell in love with the classic beauty of this beautiful pocket-cum-wristwatch, and the price tag of $34,000 (which goes up if one prefers a solid red gold chain over a plated silver one or if any customization is desired) makes it even easier to love.
Louis Nardin also tested one of the Amadeo models. To read his comments in French, click here.
