In 2016, Bovet 1822 unveiled the Récital 18 The Shooting Star tourbillon, the first timepiece in an exclusive collection dedicated to astronomy, followed by the Récital 20 Astérium tourbillon in 2017 and the Récital 22 Grand Récital in 2018. Each of the three timepieces boasted technical specificities and explored new ways of measuring time. Each was also housed in a characteristic inclined case, inspired by and shaped like a sloped writing desk.
Designed by Bovet 1822 Owner, Mr. Raffy, the “writing slope” case features a bezel inclined at 6 o’clock. This ingenious idea makes it possible to diversify and organize the types of displays by using domes, rollers, discs, and three-dimensional hands to enhance intuitiveness, ergonomics, and elegance. The three-dimensional design prioritizes information for improved readability and brings the collector’s eye to the heart of the movement.
As seen by the numerous awards bestowed on the trilogy’s timepieces, including the Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix to the Grand Récital by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, collectors and experts commend the stylistic revolution led by the “writing slope” case. Mr. Raffy’s inspired “writing slope” case design meets collectors’ expectations in the Maison’s latest timepiece, the Récital 23 Moon phase, by simultaneously introducing four complications developed specifically to be housed within the “writing slope” case.
The Récital 23 is the first Bovet women’s timepiece to feature the “writing slope” case, which is designed here for the first time in an oval shape that is 43 mm high and 28.7 mm wide. Hours and minutes occupy an off-center dial at 6 o'clock, while a three-dimensional moon phase is displayed on the upper section of the timepiece. Presented in the form of a hemispherical dome, the moon phase indicator corresponds to the volume of the "writing slope” case. The dome's surface is engraved to evoke the lunar surface and filled with luminescent material. It is read via a three-dimensional circular aperture that singlehandedly requires over a day's work to be manufactured and decorated. The precision mechanism used to drive the moon phase requires correction only once every 122 years.
This watch is driven by a self-winding mechanical movement featuring an oscillating weight in 22-ct gold, which is finely hand-engraved with the "Fleurisanne" motif. Its oscillations power two barrels whose energy guarantees 62 hours of power reserve. The module, entirely developed and manufactured in Bovet 1822's workshops, makes it possible to offset the time display and add the moon phase indicator.
Keen to develop useful complications that would allow everyday use of the timepiece, Mr. Raffy sought to incorporate a push button into the cabochon of the crown so as to be able to adjust the moon phase. The latter is therefore easily modified without needing to use the slightest tool.
For its debut, the Récital 23 Moon phase will be available in white gold, red gold or titanium models. The gold cases may be decorated with a bezel set with round diamonds or baguette-cut diamonds or be entirely paved with round diamonds.
The dial dial-makers of Bovet 1822 have created two dials of choice for this new piece. As she wishes, irrespective of the case's material, each collector will be able to choose between a dial of blue aventurine glass or black Tahitian mother-of-pearl adorned with a guilloché motif. Hour and minute hands gracefully glide over each dial. Every hour, when the hour and minute hands overlap, their atypical designs forms the shape of a heart, outlined in negative space.
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