Bovet’s “affordable” world timer: the ultimate watch for the modern jet set

If you’ve heard of Bovet Fleurier, then you probably know your haute horlogerie fairly well. If you own one of their sought-after timepieces, then you’re among a small number fortunate enough to experience this rare art form on your wrist.

Founded by Édouard Bovet in 1822 – in London, because of its strong trade links with the Far East – Bovet capitalised on the lucrative Chinese market of its time. The brand’s luxury pocket watches, made in Fleurier, Switzerland, became synonymous with timekeeping in China. So much so, in fact, that “Bovet” became the de facto name for high-end chronographs, much like Hoover or Aspirin in the West.

Throughout the 20th century, Bovet underwent several changes of ownership and struggled with international demand for luxury goods. The Maison was later acquired in 2001 by former pharmaceutical executive and private collector Pascal Raffy, who has since revived the brand’s exclusivity and artisanal roots.

Insisting on ultra-low production volumes of just 1,000 watches a year, Bovet typically targets serious collectors and avoids mass marketing campaigns. A top-of-the-range Récital 28 Prowess 1 starts at 650,000 CHF, and around a third of Bovets are bespoke. Featuring exquisite guilloché, ultra-rare materials, and miniature enamel paintings, a Bovet is as much a work of art as it is a timekeeping masterpiece.

Last year, the Récital 28 became the first mechanical wristwatch to solve the problem of terrestrial time zones and daylight-saving time. Six years in the making, it features 24 rollers displaying major cities around the world and their respective time zones. A 25th roller keeps track of daylight saving time offsets from universal coordinated time (UTC). What this means is, no matter where in the world it is, the watch will always be telling the correct time without the need to ever wind the crown. This seemingly trivial conundrum (in our digital age) marks a major accomplishment and revolutionary breakthrough for the humble wristwatch. With its sculptural world time display, the Récital 28 is the ultimate accoutrement for the jet-set globetrotter, that very few can afford.

However, Bovet has now made this technology somewhat accessible, with the introduction of the Récital 30 world timer, of which only 30 will be made available this year. Starting at 68,000 CHF, just a tenth the value of the Prowess, the titanium version offers enthusiasts, admirers and collectors the opportunity to own a piece of recent mechanical innovation and horological history, without venturing into six figure territory. And if you’re inclined to push the boat out, the rose gold version will set you back a cool 95,000 CHF. So, if you spend more time in airport lounges than you care to admit, this could be the perfect antidote to your time-zone fatigue.

For more information about The House of BOVET and the Récital 30 visit their website Bovet.com