There is a fundamental problem at the heart of every world timer complication and it is called daylight saving time (DST). Just when you thought you were keeping your watch wound and all your cities were in perfect horological alignment, daylight saving time occurs – three times a year no less (not every country switches at the same time) – meaning that when 70 countries change to daylight saving time and 125 don’t, 64% of your time zone indications will be wrong.
Spring Forward, Fall Back
In addition to the world timer problem, Daylight Saving Time has caused no end of trouble since its inception in Germany in 1916 to save fuel during WWI. It is a popular misconception that it was created to give the agriculture industry more time to work in the fields, but most farmers are completely against it, saying their cows need milking at the same time regardless of what the clock says. Another fun fact is that the medical profession is also not a DST fan as the number of heart attacks, strokes, and accidents always increases in March due to the loss of sleep. In 2019, the European Union seemed intent on scrapping the whole thing altogether, starting negotiations on the topic, but issues such as Brexit, COVID-19, and the war in Ukraine have complicated matters and talks are currently at a standstill.
Bovet to the Rescue
Luckily, Bovet has come to the rescue with a world premiere complication that is in perfect sync regardless of what is going on in the DST world. Called the Récital 28 “Prowess 1”, this world-premiere timepiece is the first to allow users to switch between UTC, American Summertime (AST), Europe and American Summertime (EAS), and European Wintertime (EWT), all of which can be set via the crown. Look closely and you will see a small aperture at eight o’clock indicating which of the four time periods is current (i.e. now we are in European and American Summertime).
So, How Does Bovet Do It?
In order to offer four different zones, the names of the cities have been put on 24 rollers that rotate 90 degrees, allowing cities to jump positions as needed. It must have been quite the calculation to figure out which cities go on which rollers, but the geniuses at Bovet have worked it all out. You would imagine that making 24 rollers jump in unison would be extremely greedy with energy, but the movement holds a spectacular 10 days of power reserve, and with one barrel no less. Another noteworthy point is the aesthetics of the city names on the rollers which feature white text on a black background. All the city names are beautifully displayed, which is no easy feat in itself, especially as you can actually read them.
And There is More
If this new complication isn’t enough to catch your attention, the Récital 28 “Prowess 1” also comes with a brand new patented double-sided tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and an insane amount of finishing and decoration on the movement’s 744 components. Due to its complexity, the Maison will only be able to make eight pieces a year, with a cap of 60 pieces per case material (platinum, red gold and titanium). And get this, if the EU does decide to scrap DST, Bovet is offering to amend the watch, although you probably would want to leave it as is as a witness to the madness of horological history!
