The house of Bovet can evoke different things to different people. For some, it stands for impressive complications and long power reserves; for others, it means ornate styling and unique case designs.
One aspect that repeatedly informs the Fleurier brand’s distinctive aesthetic is the fine hand-engraving that the company uses to decorate its dials, cases, signature case bows, movement components and buckles.
Bovet first began engraving its timepieces in the 19th century and it is thought to be the first house to have developed a transparent exhibition back so owners could admire the supremely embellished movements within.
Pascal Raffy, owner of the modern-day brand, has ensured this rich heritage of hand-engraved decoration continues to this day. Indeed, Bovet has its very own engraving atelier located in the Swiss village of Tramelan, an hour away from the brand’s headquarters and watchmaking assembly workshop at Château de Môtiers.
Like their 19th-century counterparts, Bovet’s current generation of hand-engravers is highly skilled, progressing from art school to an apprenticeship before qualifying as master engravers.
As tradition dictates, all Bovet engraving is done freehand, meaning each craftsperson leaves their own style and signature on the finished timepiece. In the process, these artisans display immense dexterity, attention to detail and sensitivity to the tools and materials they work with. A single misstep and they must start again from scratch.
Hammer engraving, chisel engraving and fine line engraving using a graver… Bovet’s hand-engravers master the full gamut of skills. We look at five timepieces that demonstrate how the brand excels in this field.
Fleurisanne Engraving: Amadeo Amadeo Tourbillon Squelette
The decorative style that is perhaps most associated with Bovet is Fleurisanne engraving. Based on the flowers and vines depicted on ancient Greek columns, this technique consists of fine, swirling lines.
The double-sided Amadeo Amadeo Tourbillon Squelette unique piece perfectly demonstrates Bovet’s mastery of Fleurisanne engraving. Its 18K red gold case takes more than 120 hours to engrave in this manner, while engraving the movement takes more than 100 hours. Both are decorated by the same master engraver at Bovet’s Tramelan workshop.
Bris de Verre Motif: Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter 2
Meaning “broken glass” in French, the chiselled Bris de Verre pattern consists of tiny triangles placed in and around one another. It first appeared on Bovet movements at the end of the 1800s.
Whether flat, inclined, convex or vertical, all possible movement surfaces of the Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter 2 – winner of the 2020 Grand Prix de Genève Mechanical Exception prize – are engraved by hand with this emblematic pattern.
Rays of Light: Récital 28 Prowess 1
For the recently launched, ground-breaking Récital 28 Prowess 1 – the world-premiere that solves the modern timekeeping challenge posed by Daylight Saving Time – Bovet’s master engravers designed a completely new motif, dubbed “Rays of Light”.
Adorning this timepiece’s bridges, each “Rays of Light” engraving starts small in the centre and fans outwards, like beaming sunrays.
Evocative Engraving: OWO Residences London
Bovet has created numerous bespoke designs for its customers, allowing its engravers to display their artisanal flair in addition to making something unique and memorable.
One example is the limited-edition OWO Residences London collection. The Official Timepiece of OWO Residences – formerly the Old War Office – this collection features distinctive engravings on the case and bow that recall design details seen within and around the OWO building itself.
Lacquered Engraving: Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
Finally, the lady’s edition of Bovet’s Rolls-Royce Boat Tail features a case that is completely hand-engraved and then filled with blue lacquer, helping to bring out the depth and details of the engraved decoration.
What’s more, thanks to Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible system, this timepiece can be worn on the wrist or mounted onto the dashboard of the coach-built Rolls-Royce.
To find out more about Bovet’s engraving prowess, please visit the brand's website.
