Cover Bovet’s Château de Môtiers is repsonsible for the final finishing and assembly of its watches
Bovet’s Château de Môtiers is repsonsible for the final finishing and assembly of its watches
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Bovet balances past, present, and future with such exacting precision that even its manufactures reflect this harmony: one housed in a historical landmark, the other a state-of-the-art facility
In the realm of horological statement pieces, few names rival Bovet, whose decorative mastery opened doors to markets as distant as imperial China. That legacy remains strong today, but it is now combined with cutting-edge innovations—the latest being the Recital 30 that features a unique world time system that solves the Daylight Saving Time issue.
For a trailblazing watchmaker like Bovet, producing only 1,000 pieces annually is a deliberate choice, allowing for full control over the quality of its watches. This is further reinforced by Bovet’s vertically integrated capabilities, a rarity in today’s industry, more so for a boutique watchmaker.
Read more: Bovet’s Recital 22 Grand Recital, an astronomical theatre, wins top prize at GPHG 2018
Above The Bovet Recital 30 is a world timer that indicates the UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time)
The Bovet Recital 30 is a world timer that indicates the UTC, AST (American Summer Time), EAS (Europe and America Summer Time), and EWT (European Winter Time)
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Bovet has facilities in two different locations in the canton of Jura. The manufacture in Tramelan is responsible for the production of watch components, from the hairspring to the case. These are later transported to Château de Môtiers, the Bovet family’s historic home at the top of a hill overlooking the village of Môtiers, for the final assembly. It is also here that Bovet’s rich watchmaking history is on display, presented in a space that evokes the warmth of a cosy living room.
Another unique aspect about Bovet is that one watchmaker is responsible for assembling and finishing each timepiece in its entirety. There is no assembly line, no handoff from station to station, which means every watchmaker must master a broad range of skills.
See also: How A. Lange & Söhne elevates timekeeping to an art form
Above The Bovet manufacture in Tramelan
The Bovet manufacture in Tramelan
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PIECE BY PIECE
Originally a producer of tourbillons, the Tramelan facility is now the technical heart of Bovet, responsible for the production of the movement, the dial, and the case. Since owner Pascal Raffy acquired it in 2006, he had upgraded its capability to manufacture more than 95 per cent of all components that make up the movement, including the rare feat of producing the regulating organs. Some tools had to be specially created to execute tasks according to specific requirements.
Read more: Visiting the manufacture of H. Moser & Cie in Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Above The different dials at Bovet
The different dials at Bovet
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The main reason why Bovet watches are such striking standouts in a crowded market is due to the decorative art that adorns every component, inside and out. Here at Tramelan, too, is where all of the magic happens. The artisans possess the expertise in unique engraving motifs such as the lavish Fleurisanne and “shattered glass”. They also excel at a variety of hand-finishing from the intricate perlage (circular graining) to the refined Côtes de Genève.
The one craft Bovet entrusts to an external party is miniature dial painting—and even then, it partners with the best, namely André Martinez, whose exquisite work has graced timepieces from some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.
See also: Cartier champions ancestral techniques through watchmaking
Above The skeletonised Virtuoso XI showcases Bovet’s expertise not only in hand-engraving and finishing, but also in gem-setting
The skeletonised Virtuoso XI showcases Bovet’s expertise not only in hand-engraving and finishing, but also in gem-setting
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TIME STOOD STILL
There is no denying that the Bovet chateau in Môtiers, known as the birthplace of absinthe, is one of the more fascinating watchmaking facilities. Built in the 14th century by Rodolphe IV, Count of Neuchâtel, the 5,800 sqm castle was sold to Henri-François Dubois-Bovet in 1835. His descendants donated it to the Canton of Neuchâtel in 1957. Nearly half a century later, it was purchased by Raffy in 2006, who sought to preserve and continue the horological legacy of the Bovet family.
Above Château de Môtiers, where new Bovet watches are brought to life and historical creations are proudly on display
Château de Môtiers, where new Bovet watches are brought to life and historical creations are proudly on display
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Indeed, it is here that all Bovet watches are assembled, given their final flourish, and tested in a controlled environment before being delivered to their owners. This workshop is housed in a former barn, which only adds to its charm.
Opposite the workshop is the main building, where one can discover Bovet’s rich history through a display of some 50 pieces, including a few from Raffy’s personal collection.
Above A Bovet watch is a work of mechanical and artistic beauty
A Bovet watch is a work of mechanical and artistic beauty
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At this point, it is worth noting that 30 per cent of Bovet’s watch production is dedicated to bespoke pieces. As a collector himself, Raffy understands and appreciates the joy of owning a custom piece that reflects the owner’s style and personality. Hence, Raffy’s insistence on investing in vertical integration, a crucial component in the business of bespoke luxury.
From the ability to trace your watch back to its maker to the opportunity to personalise its final appearance, Bovet is uniquely positioned to meet these desires. In an industry constantly striving to outdo itself, Bovet is already ahead of the curve.
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Brian Cheong leads the watch (Tatler GMT) and jewellery content at Tatler Malaysia, combining sharp editorial insight with years of luxury lifestyle experience. A seasoned journalist in luxury watches based in Kuala Lumpur, Brian had previously helmed World of Watches, Men's Folio and Prestige Malaysia.
