Bovet is a Swiss luxury watch brand with a rich history dating back to 1822, when it was founded by Édouard Bovet in Fleurier, Switzerland. The brand quickly became known for its exquisitely decorated pocket watches, particularly those made for the Chinese market in the 19th century. Bovet timepieces were prized for their hand-painted enamel dials, intricate engravings, and mechanical precision, establishing the brand as a pioneer of high-end Swiss craftsmanship
Bovet is a Swiss luxury watch brand with a rich history dating back to 1822, when it was founded by Édouard Bovet in Fleurier, Switzerland. The brand quickly became known for its exquisitely decorated pocket watches, particularly those made for the Chinese market in the 19th century. Bovet timepieces were prized for their hand-painted enamel dials, intricate engravings, and mechanical precision, establishing the brand as a pioneer of high-end Swiss craftsmanship.
After a period of dormancy, Bovet was revived in 2001 by Pascal Raffy, a passionate collector who transformed the brand into a symbol of haute horology. Today, Bovet is celebrated for its in-house movements, artistic dials, and convertible case designs, merging tradition with contemporary innovation.
Bovet stands out for its exquisite artistry, mechanical ingenuity, and bespoke craftsmanship. Unlike mass-produced luxury brands, Bovet timepieces are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail. Some defining characteristics of Bovet watches include:
• Handcrafted Enamel and Miniature Painting – Bovet continues its legacy of hand-painted dials, using traditional techniques that date back to its early pocket watches.
• In-House Movements with Extended Power Reserves – Many Bovet watches feature 7 to 10-day power reserves, a rare feat in modern watchmaking.
• Amadeo Convertible Case – This patented system allows Bovet watches to be worn as a wristwatch, a pocket watch, or a table clock, offering versatility unlike any other luxury brand.
• High-End Finishing and Decoration – From hand-engraved movements to flawless guilloché patterns, Bovet watches showcase the finest levels of traditional Swiss craftsmanship.
Each Bovet watch is an artistic masterpiece, combining technical excellence with centuries-old decorative techniques.
Bovet watches sit in the ultra-luxury category, with prices reflecting their handcrafted nature, in-house complications, and bespoke designs.
• Entry-level Bovet watches start at around $25,000 for simpler models featuring exquisite finishing and in-house movements.
• Bovet Virtuoso VIII and Recital collections, which include highly complex movements and artistic dials, range from $50,000 to $150,000.
• High-complication models, such as the Bovet Grand Recital 22, featuring astronomical displays and tourbillons, can exceed $500,000.
• Bespoke Bovet watches, made to order with custom enamel paintings and engravings, can cost well over $1 million, depending on the complexity of the request.
Bovet watches are not just timepieces—they are functional works of art, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Recital series is one of Bovet’s most recognized lines, known for its three-dimensional movements, innovative complications, and sculptural case designs. The Recital 26 Brainstorm Chapter Two, for example, features a flying tourbillon, a hemispherical moon phase, and a transparent sapphire case.
A stunning showcase of mechanical excellence, the Virtuoso VIII features a flying tourbillon, retrograde indicators, and a 10-day power reserve. This collection exemplifies Bovet’s dedication to blending artistry with high horology.
Named after Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible case system, this line allows the wearer to switch between a wristwatch, pocket watch, and table clock without using tools. These watches highlight Bovet’s historical connection to 19th-century pocket watches.
A true masterpiece of astronomical watchmaking, the Grand Recital 22 features a tourbillon, a rotating globe representing Earth, and a moon phase complication. It won the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) in 2018.
Bovet watches are entirely handcrafted in Switzerland, with production taking place at the brand’s workshops in Tramelan and Fleurier. Unlike many Swiss watch brands, Bovet is vertically integrated, meaning it produces nearly all components in-house, including movements, dials, and cases.
Bovet is one of the few brands that still uses traditional Swiss enameling, hand engraving, and artisanal finishing techniques, preserving the heritage of 19th-century watchmaking while incorporating modern mechanical advancements.
The day started at the Bovet’s manufacture in Tramelan, continued in the final assembly building at the Château de Môtiers.
This room is where Bovet watches are put through finally assembly and quality control before they’re sent off to retailers.
The smell of emerald green grass lingers in my nose as I sit on my British Airways flight at Zurich Airport awaiting departure.
The first Subdial After Dark was not your average watch get-together.
Digging deeper into Bovet’s sudden arrival in Australia, I discovered that the boutique is run in partnership with S&S Group.
Since 1822, Bovet has been known for their intricate, leather strap-adorned watches that are rooted heavily in tradition.
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