GLAM / AMOUR

Within the domain of Haute Horlogerie, where watches are not mere timekeeping instruments but rather reflections of refined taste and exceptional craftsmanship, BOVET 1822 shines as a beacon of timeless elegance.

The legacy of this Swiss Maison dates back to 1822 when Edouard Bovet embarked on a journey to create watches that transcend time, combining artistry with precision. Today, as Glam/Amour delves into the opulent universe of BOVET 1822, we discover a symphony of heritage, innovation, and sheer luxury.

This legacy begins with the founder, Edouard Bovet and his brothers, who not only established the success of their Maison but also played a pivotal role in shaping the horological landscape.

The journey began in 1814 when Edouard, accompanied by his brothers Alphonse and Frédéric, embarked on a voyage from their home village of Fleurier to the bustling watchmaking hub of London. Edouard’s subsequent venture to China, as a representative, marked a turning point.

Recognizing the untapped potential of the Chinese market, they founded Maison BOVET in 1822, creating timepieces that seamlessly blended Swiss precision with Chinese aesthetics. This convergence, notably exemplified in their “Chinese watches,” showcased richly decorated movements and gold-plated cases adorned with intricate enamel motifs.

The Bovet brothers, nicknamed the “Bovets of China,” not only dominated the Swiss watchmaking trade in the “Celestial Empire” but also left an indelible mark on the industry with innovations like transparent case-backs and intricately decorated movements. The Maison’s legacy continues today, with a commemorative timepiece, the Edouard Bovet Tourbillon, celebrating the bicentenary of Edouard Bovet’s arrival in China, encapsulating the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation and travel.

Fast forward to the present, and BOVET 1822 remains committed to the principles laid down by its founder. Each timepiece is a manifestation of the brand’s dedication to precision and artistry. Take, for example, the BOVET 1822 Amadeo Fleurier Grand Complications – a masterpiece that seamlessly combines innovation and tradition. The watch features a patented Amadeo convertible case, allowing it to transform from a wristwatch to a pocket watch, table clock, or pendant watch without compromising its elegance.

One cannot speak of BOVET 1822 without diving into the artistry that defines its timepieces. The brand has long collaborated with some of the most skilled artisans, ensuring that each watch is a canvas for their mastery. Beyond the aesthetics, BOVET 1822 watches are celebrated for their technical prowess. The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation.

In the realm of luxury, exclusivity is paramount, and BOVET 1822 understands this sentiment well. The Maison produces a limited number of timepieces each year, ensuring that those who are fortunate enough to own one possess not just a watch but a rare artifact.

BOVET 1822 has curated a distinguished array of watch collections, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision, craftsmanship, and artistic expression. Let’s explore some of the noteworthy collections that have captivated the horological world:

Fleurier Collection:

The Fleurier collection pays homage to the brand’s roots in Fleurier, Switzerland. Known for its classic and sophisticated designs, this collection features timepieces that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Exquisite detailing, including guilloché patterns on the dials and finely crafted cases, characterizes the Fleurier collection. It stands as a representation of BOVET’s dedication to preserving the artistry of watchmaking.

The Fleurier collection is a nod to the pocket watches from the brand’s infancy. The most striking feature of these watches is what has become known as the “Bovet crown.” The crown is located above 12 o’clock and is surrounded by an arched crown guard. Another practical feature is the Amadeo System, which makes it easy to replace the bracelet on these watches with a chain and wear them as a pocket watch instead.

What’s more, the timepieces can also be converted into table clocks. Fleurier watches use high-quality, in-house calibers, which often boast complications such as a retrograde display, world time display, jumping hour, or tourbillon. The movements frequently have elaborate skeletonization and other decorative elements.

Dimier Collection:

The Dimier collection reflects a contemporary and innovative approach to watchmaking. These timepieces often feature complex complications, such as tourbillons, perpetual calendars, and minute repeaters. With a focus on technical excellence and avant-garde design, the Dimier collection showcases BOVET’s prowess in pushing the boundaries of horological innovation.

The Dimier collection have even more sophisticated calibers, though these watches have their crown at 3 o’clock. The lugs also follow more conventional cues, and the end result is quite a contemporary design.

Bovet by Pininfarina

Bovet by Pininfarina is the result of a collaborative effort between BOVET 1822, the Swiss luxury watchmaking Maison, and Pininfarina, the renowned Italian design firm celebrated for its work in the automotive and industrial design sectors. This partnership brings together two domains of artistry—precision timekeeping and cutting-edge design—to create exceptional watches that harmonize technical brilliance with aesthetic sophistication.

The collaboration began in 2010, marking the birth of a series of remarkable timepieces that showcase the fusion of Swiss watchmaking tradition and Italian design innovation. Both entities share a commitment to excellence and an appreciation for pushing the boundaries of their respective crafts.

These watches are characterized by sleek and contemporary designs, reflecting Pininfarina’s expertise in creating iconic shapes and lines. The timepieces often feature clean, minimalist dials and ergonomic cases, embodying a modern aesthetic that complements the intricate mechanics within.

While the aesthetic appeal is evident, the collaboration also focuses on technological innovation. The watches boast advanced movements and complications, showcasing the technical prowess of BOVET 1822.

CLICK HERE – To watch a recent interview with Miss Audrey Raffy at the Dubai Watch Week 2023.

Monsieur Bovet and Miss Audrey

The Miss Audrey collection offers watches marketed toward women, while the Monsieur Bovet timepieces are intended as men’s watches. Both lines have a classic design language and can be converted into a pocket watch and table clock with the brand’s Amadeo system.

The women’s watch collection, Bovet Fleurier Miss Audrey, is named after Audrey Raffy, the eldest daughter of company owner Pascal Raffy. All of these watches share a simple two-hand design, a diamond-set bezel, and elegant dials. The dials are mostly monochrome with an elaborate guilloché finish. If you’re looking for something more colorful, you might enjoy the Miss Audrey Sweet Art. The dials on these models are made of specially-processed, colored sugar beads.

The Miss Audrey, winner of the 2020 GPHG Ladies’ category, features a self-winding mechanical movement with 42hours of power reserve, and the iconic patented Amadeo® convertible system.

The iconic patented Amadeo® convertible system allows the Miss Audrey timepiece to be easily transformed from a wristwatch to a necklace, to a desk-clock, without the use of any tools.

As we review the extraordinary world of BOVET watch collections, it becomes evident that the Maison’s legacy is firmly anchored in the realms of precision, artistry, and innovation.

From the classic elegance of the Fleurier collection to the avant-garde designs of Dimier, each timepiece tells a story of meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to excellence. The collaboration with Pininfarina further exemplifies BOVET’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in both design and technology.

As we envision the future of the Maison of BOVET, it is clear that the trajectory is one of continued brilliance and innovation. With a rich heritage as a guiding force, BOVET is poised to shape the future of Haute Horlogerie, continuing to captivate enthusiasts with timepieces that transcend the ordinary and redefine the art of watchmaking for generations to come.