In 2016, BOVET 1822 unveiled the Shooting Star tourbillon, the first timepiece in an exclusive collection dedicated to astronomy. The Astérium and Grand Récital tourbillons then followed in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Each of the three timepieces boasted groundbreaking technical specificities and explored new ways of measuring time, and each was also housed in a characteristic inclined case, inspired by and shaped like a sloped writing desk. Designed by BOVET 1822 Owner, Mr. Raffy, the “writing slope” case features a bezel inclined at 6 o’clock. This ingenious idea makes it possible to diversify and organize the types of displays by using domes, rollers, discs, and three-dimensional hands to enhance intuitiveness, ergonomics, and elegance. The three-dimensional design prioritizes information for improved readability and brings the collector’s eye to the heart of the movement to discover the excellence found in each detail.
As seen by the numerous awards bestowed on the trilogy’s timepieces, including the Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix to the Grand Récital by the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, collectors and experts commend the stylistic revolution led by the “writing slope” case. Mr. Raffy’s inspired “writing slope” case design meets and once again exceeds collectors’ expectations in the Maison’s latest timepiece, the Récital 23, by simultaneously introducing four complications developed specifically to be housed within the “writing slope” case.
The Récital 23 is the first BOVET women’s timepiece to feature the “writing slope” case, which is designed here for the first time in an oval shape that is 43 mm high and 28.7 mm wide. Hours and minutes occupy an off-center dial at 6 o’clock, while a deeply poetic three-dimensional moon phase is displayed on the upper section of the timepiece.
Since the dawn of time, people have been telling the time by the stars. Many cultures still use the lunar calendar and the dates of many — often religious — celebrations are frequently established according to the age of the moon. The moon also exerts a physical influence on our world, notably on the tides. Fishermen as well as farmers and winegrowers order their activities in accordance with our natural satellite. Sensibilities and moods are also often connected to lunar changes and it seems illusory to attempt to draw up an exhaustive list of the beliefs and influences attributed to the moon.
The Récital 23 timepiece is driven by a self-winding mechanical movement. Its oscillating weight in 22-ct gold is finely hand-engraved with the «Fleurisanne» motif that Maison BOVET 1822 has been producing for almost two centuries. Its oscillations power two barrels whose energy guarantees 62 hours’- of power reserve. The module, entirely developed and manufactured in BOVET 1822’s workshops, makes it possible to offset the time display and add the moon phase
indicator.
Presented in the form of a hemispherical dome, the moon phase indicator majestically corresponds to the volume of the «writing slope” case. The dome’s surface is engraved to evoke the lunar surface and filled with luminescent material. This feat is all the more remarkable due to the indicator’s camber. It is read via a three-dimensional circular aperture that singlehandedly requires over a day’s work to be manufactured and decorated. The precision mechanism used to drive the moon phase requires correction only once every 122 years.
Keen to develop useful complications that would allow everyday use of the timepiece, Mr. Raffy — BOVET 1822’s Owner — soughtto incorporate a push button into the cabochon of the crown so as to be able to adjust the moon phase. The latter is therefore easily modified without needing to use the slightest tool.
For its debut, the Récital 23 will be available in white gold, red gold or titanium models. The gold cases may be decorated with a bezel set with round diamonds or baguette-cut diamonds or be entirely paved with round diamonds.
The dial dial-makers of BOVET 1822 have created two dials of choice for this new piece. As she wishes, irrespective of the case’s material, each collector will be able to choose between a dial of blue aventurine glass or black Tahitian mother-of-pearl adorned with a delicate guilloché motif. Elegant hour and minute hands gracefully glide over each dial. Every hour, when the hour and minute hands overlap, their atypical designs forms the shape of a heart, outlined in negative space.
Timeless and symbolic, the new Récital 23 represents the values which drive Mr. Raffy and the artisans of BOVET 1822 : passion for fine watchmaking, and a devotion to perpetuate BOVET 1822’s illustrious history with noble new expressions of the timekeeping art.
Récital 23 Moon phase
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Ref: R230001, 18K red gold, mother-of-pearl guilloché
R230003, 18K red gold, Aventurine dial
R230002, 18K white gold, mother-of-pearl guilloché
R230004, 18K white gold, Aventurine dial
R230006, Titanium, mother-of-pearl guilloché
R230008, Titanium, Aventurine dial
CASE
Type: Dimier « writing desk » case
Diameter: 43 x 38.70 mm
Thickness: 14.40 mm
Material: 18K red or white gold or Titanium
Bracelet: Full skin alligator
Buckle: 18K red or white gold ardillon
Water resistance: 30m
MOVEMENT
Caliber: 11DA17-MP
Type: Self-winding movement
Diameter: 11½’’’ with 17½’’’ x 12¾‘’’ module
Frequency: 28,800 V/h
Power reserve: 62 hours
Functions: Off-centre hours and minutes, moon phase
DIAL
Black mother-of-pearl guilloché or Aventurine Glass with 10 round
diamond indexes
