BOVET Introduces the Récital 12, its First Bracelet Timepiece Ever

For the very first time in its more than two centuries of history making the world’s most beautiful timekeeping objects, BOVET unveils the Récital 12, a timepiece that comes on a bracelet and is designed to be a constant companion.

The Récital 12 was in development for more than two years, as owner Pascal Raffy was keen to respond to requests made by many collectors around the world for an everyday-wear timepiece, specifically on a bracelet.

“BOVET has traditionally been a strap House, but we have had many collectors from all over the world asking for a metal bracelet,” explains owner Pascal Raffy. “I’m very detail-oriented when it comes to comfort and design, so I knew if we did a bracelet, it would have to be as close to perfect as possible. My team and I worked on this timepiece for two full years, going through version after version to get it absolutely right.

“The bracelet is supremely comfortable, forming to the wrist and offering all-day wearability,” he continues. “I think its unique combination of style, comfort, lightness, and serious watchmaking will appear to collectors everywhere.”

The Récital 12 features a new 40mm case, a redesigned and reconfigured manual-wind movement, and the aforementioned bracelet. All in titanium, the Récital 12 is light, ergonomic, while at the same time focusing on high horology.

Titanium: The Perfect Material

The choice of material for the Récital 12 was all important. Over the years, BOVET has made timepieces in 18K white gold, 18K red gold, stainless steel, platinum, and even sapphire crystal. Recently, the House has added titanium to its mix.

Light yet strong, titanium is the perfect material for timepieces, as it is highly resistant to corrosion, difficult to scratch, and hypoallergenic.

BOVET’s teams of engineers, constructors, and watchmakers worked together to master this cutting-edge material. Mr. Raffy started his career in pharmaceuticals, so he was well aware of the material and knew that titanium was being used in high-tech medical implants due to its strength, lightness, and biocompatibility.

BOVET uses grade 5 titanium, an alpha-beta alloy that contains 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium, which offers an excellent combination of high strength, low density, and good corrosion resistance. In addition, grade 5 titanium offers excellent resistance in natural environments, and is able to withstand exposure to acids, seawater, and other corrosives.

The titanium used in the Récital 12 is entirely recyclable, reinforcing BOVET’s commitment to sustainability. BOVET knows that it is possible to combine the House’s focus on luxury while being environmentally responsible.

All Day Comfort

Light and sized at 40mm, the Récital 12 has been carefully engineered to provide exceptional comfort and wearability, resulting in a timepiece that is perfect for anything and everything. You can wear it to the office, to an elegant dinner party, or on the weekend with jeans and a t-shirt.

Don’t be fooled by its seeming simplicity, the bracelet itself is a true work of art, designed with meticulous attention to detail. Its ingenious folding clasp incorporates an expansion mechanism, allowing for up to 3mm of adjustability to accommodate minor fluctuations in wrist size throughout the day. The combination of polished and matte-brushed surfaces, along with the incorporation of the “V” of BOVET, creates a visually stunning and harmonious design. When the folding clasp comes together, the tips of the V form an infinity symbol.

High Caliber

The Récital 12 features a brand-new movement, its design unique for BOVET. The baseplate of the movement, which is typically visible from the front of the timepiece, has been inverted for the Récital 12. Resembling a three-quarter plate, this new baseplate has a circular bridge with BOVET engraved on it, designed so the timepiece could be thinner. The overall effect is impressive — solid and robust, yet elegant and impeccably finished.

This new movement provides seven days of power reserve (168 hours) from a single barrel, emphasizing Mr. Raffy’s commitment to providing collectors with long power reserves, much longer than the current standard in watchmaking, 36-48 hours.

Dial-Side

On the dial side, the movement has been opened up to expose BOVET in-house balance wheel and regulating organ, as well as a portion of the gear train providing the energy from the single barrel. A new bridge was developed for the seconds cage, adding to the mesmerizing visual effect. On top of the seconds wheel is a three-pronged running seconds indicator, complete with three fire-blued hands.

The off-set dial is made completely in-house, featuring BOVET’s iconic “Lotus Flower” guilloche, with 12 petals to represent the 12 hours. Fire-blued screws hold the dial in place, and it is coated with eight layers of rich lacquer to draw you in. Just above the dial is the power reserve indicator showcasing the impressive seven days of autonomy.

Where Art and Innovation Meet

The Récital 12 is the perfect embodiment of BOVET’s slogan, “Celebrating Art and Innovation. Since 1822.” Comfortable and subtle, light and perfectly sized, this timepiece incorporates a high watchmaking manual-wind movement with impeccable hand finishing, showcasing BOVET’s commitment to the highest watchmaking standards, combining the expertise of its cadre of artisans.

“The House of BOVET has many facets – traditional, cutting-edge, innovative, high design, and more,” says Mr. Raffy. “The Récital 12 combines high-tech materials with high horology,” says Raffy. “It is a supremely comfortable timepiece that will change the way collectors view BOVET.”

The Récital 12 represents a bold new direction for BOVET, seamlessly blending the brand’s rich heritage with cutting-edge innovation. With the Récital 12, BOVET has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking, creating a timepiece that is both a technical marvel and a true work of art.

Welcome to the Good Life indeed.

BOVET Récital 12 Technical Specifications

Récital 12 – 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.