Bovet’s debut of the Récital 12 marks a significant departure from its storied tradition of crafting leather-clad horological wonders. This first-ever bracelet timepiece encapsulates the brand’s dual ethos: uncompromising luxury and cutting-edge innovation. After two years of meticulous development, Pascal Raffy and his team present an all-titanium marvel that embodies a new level of ergonomic sophistication. The Récital 12 is a companion, marrying aesthetic allure with all-day comfort.
Sculpted Titanium Elegance
The case of the Bovet Récital 12 is a refined 40mm Dimier design, engineered from Grade 5 titanium. This material, renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and hypoallergenic properties, lends the watch a featherlight presence on the wrist. Its polished surfaces and a sapphire crystal exhibition back showcase a harmonious interplay between traditional watchmaking and modern material science.
The bracelet is where Bovet truly flexes its innovative muscles. Designed to contour naturally to the wrist, the titanium links are lightweight yet robust. A thoughtful touch is the integration of a folding clasp with a 3mm expansion mechanism, ensuring a perfect fit regardless of minor wrist fluctuations. The interplay of polished and matte finishes, accented by Bovet’s iconic “V” motif, underscores the bracelet’s artisanal craftsmanship. When closed, the clasp forms an infinity symbol—an elegant nod to timelessness.
A Canvas of Horological Artistry
On the dial side, Bovet offers an engaging display of its high-watchmaking prowess. The offset dial, adorned with the brand’s signature “Lotus Flower” guilloché, features 12 intricately crafted petals, each representing an hour. The rich lacquer finish, applied in eight layers, creates a depth that is both alluring and luxurious.
Complementing the dial is the exposed movement architecture, which reveals the regulating organ and portions of the gear train. The three-pronged running seconds indicator, with fire-blued hands, dances above a bespoke bridge designed to enhance the visual drama. Above the dial lies a power reserve indicator, which proudly boasts the timepiece’s seven days of autonomy—a feat achieved through meticulous engineering.
A Technical Tour de Force
The Récital 12 houses a newly developed manual-wind calibre, meticulously crafted in-house. This calibre is a technical marvel, delivering a staggering 168 hours of power reserve from a single barrel. Its inverted construction, inspired by the three-quarter plate design, enables a slimmer profile while maintaining structural integrity.
The circular bridge engraved with the Bovet name is a testament to the brand’s commitment to artisanal excellence. Every component, from the 227-part assembly to the 45 jewels, is finished to perfection. The 3Hz frequency ensures a stable and precise beat, harmonizing durability with performance.
A New Benchmark in Wearer Comfort
The Bovet Récital 12 represents a watershed moment in the brand’s illustrious history. The titanium case and bracelet redefine comfort, ensuring the watch feels as natural as a second skin. Its lightness is deceptive, for within lies a powerhouse of horological ingenuity.
This timepiece is a celebration of art, innovation, and functionality, a masterstroke that will undoubtedly resonate with collectors seeking elegance and practicality in equal measure. In the Récital 12, Bovet has not just crafted a watch; it has set a new standard for how luxury timepieces should feel and function. I was astounded by the feel of this horological recital – a comfortable presence on the wrist, subtle and pleasant. And although I was first attracted to the blue version, when I saw the green version – I loved it…
Bovet Récital 12 Technical Specifications
Récital 12 – CHF 24,800 exc. taxes, 5 years Guarentee
Movement
- High-watchmaking hand-wound manufacture movement
- (caliber 13BMDR12C2). 31mm, 13 1/2 lines, 4mm high
- 227 components
- 45 jewels
- 21’600 vph/3hz frequency
- 7 days power reserve/168 hours
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve indication
Case
- Dimier case
- 40mm diameter, 9.8mm thickness
- Polished Grade 5 Titanium with Sapphire Crystal
- Exhibition back
- Resistance 30m
Dial
- Dark blue, emerald green or turquoise lacquered guilloche, with polished stainless steel and blued stainless steel hands (seconds and power reserve)
Strap
- Titanium bracelet and folding clasp
- Comfort pusher allowing for 3mm opening
About BOVET 1822
The House of BOVET is a Swiss manufacturer of luxury timepieces, artfully combining the most sophisticated mechanisms with the finest craftsmanship, employing artisanal techniques such as hand-finishing, hand-engraving, and miniature painting. For more than 200 years, BOVET 1822 has handcrafted the finest timepieces, allowing collectors to experience what is the true pleasure of the luxury of time. To further ensure this excellence, owner Mr. Pascal Raffy has limited the House’s annual manufacture of handcrafted timepieces, respecting Swiss artisanal processes, exclusivity, and uniqueness. Since Mr. Raffy became the owner of the House 22 years ago, his commitment has been to honor the watchmaking arts to continue to handcraft timepieces that fascinate and enthrall the most demanding collectors — all of this achieved combining decorative arts, innovation, and precision. The House of BOVET insists on manufacturing nearly 100% of its components in-house, including movements, complications, hands, dials, cases, up to and including the hairspring and regulating organ, the beating heart of fine timepieces. The House of BOVET is recognized around the world as a leader in high watchmaking and is coveted by collectors everywhere.