Review Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two

Reading Time: 4 minutes

A house of artisans, la maison Bovet released this summer the second sapphire model of Récital 26. Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two brings a new architecture, still keeping the moon phase complication as one of the visual dominant elements. Chapter Two brings a new artistic craft in highlight – the “broken glass” engraving. The new wristwatch is nominated in the Mechanical Exception category of 2020’s edition of Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG).

Bovet 1822 is one of the most spectacular watchmakers of our days. With a philosophy where “compromise” does not exist, the independent brand creates wonders for the wrist. The Maison’s strong points consist of a series of artistic crafts and modern watchmaking. The Bovet watches, besides a clear signature, bring a perfect conjugation of artisanal handwork with ultra-modern materials and manufacturing processes.

Hands-on review Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two

Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two is a fascinating and glamorous interpretation of a Worldtimer and moon phase complications. Again, an alluring tourbillon set everything into motion. But let us go deeper into the details.

The Dimier case

For me, it was no surprise to see meet again the Bovet’s signature Dimier case. Manufactures in sapphire, the case measures 47.80 mm in diameter. It is slightly smaller as the Chapter One reviewed here. We find again the titanium structure as a foundation for the construction.

The sapphire showcases the appealing finishes used for this model – an overall hand-made “broken glass” engravings. The image above shows the dramatically bent lugs. This design cuts visually from the watch dimensions, giving a comfortable wear. Just like its predecessor, the Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two wears much smaller.

The sloped case permits a stepped construction. The movement benefits at maximum from the increased volume.

The watch uses a lovely crown featuring a large blue sapphire cabochon. On the upper left and right of the case can be found the recessed pushers for the moon phase correction and world timer.

Not your ordinary blue dial

When it comes to the visual representation of time and other horological complications, Bovet is by far an artist. Regardless of the used method, various artistic disciplines or architectural/technical approach, the brand has its own language and expression. Their watches can be easily recognised in the wild.

The time in hours and minutes is displayed in a “simple” manner using a machined and polished quartz dome. The indexes and Arabic numerals are engraved and filled with SuperLuminova.

At 9 o’clock is placed the huge moon phase display. A large dome is engraved by hand and filled with luminescent material. The moon dome is fixed with the help of three jewels. The system allows the rotation of the dome under the skeletonised dome that reveals the age of the moon according to the specific orientation of its crescent. The lunar complication has an accuracy requiring correction of one day every 127 years.

On the right side can be found the worldtimer complication. Its dome uses the same radial guidance system. A three-dimensional V-shaped hand displays the desired time zone.

The lowest position, where the case is at its thinnest, a gorgeous tourbillon serves as a running seconds indication. The flying tourbillon is exquisite built and decorated.

The mighty power reserve of 5 days is displayed in a “secret” spot – on the body of the time display cylinder. The indication uses a small aperture visible from the top of the case.

The “broken glass” engravings

Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two is powered by the Calibre 17DM06-DT – an alluring technical and visual presence. The stepped down architecture was highlighted by an overall engraving using the “broken glass” motifs.

To make the engravings even more spectacular, the movement uses very thick bridges. In comparison with Chapter One, where the bridges were as thins as possible. The engraving can be found everywhere.

Nothing was spared from the engraving process. Even the tourbillon bridge was decorated up to every corner.

Calibre 17DM06-DT is a hand-wound movement, reaching to an impressive power reserve of five days from a single barrel. The one-minute tourbillon uses a 3 Hz balance wheel.

Exquisite and exclusive

Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm® Chapter Two is an exceptional machine. A “show it all” case reveals the exceptional artistic crafts of Bovet’s artisans. The watch offers practicability in a rare and beautiful form. Chapter Two is one of those watches that give you satisfaction on and of the wrist. A beautiful and modern sapphire case, a gorgeous movement with original architecture and useful horological complications.