Haute Complication: Bovet Récital 20 Astérium
Bovet is a brand known to go above and beyond to create the most exceptional complications. However, they are also dedicated to bringing them to life in a very engaging and mesmerizing way. That makes a Bovet not only instantly recognizable but also stand out in the world of the Haute Horlogerie.
The Récital 20 Astérium is a great example of this, as it features many of the hallmarks the brand is so well known for. Two of them are of a technical nature and can be found in other models of the brand as well. First, there is the single mainspring barrel which can hold a ten-day power reserve, and next, there is the patented double face tourbillon. This tourbillon features a titanium carriage and is balanced to perfection to achieve an optimum precision. Bovet is also one of the few brands that make their own balance springs and wheels, and their master watchmakers are pairing them based on which have the best synergy to establish the most precise isochronism possible.
In terms of complications, the Récital 20 Astérium has much more to offer than just a tourbillon. The front of the watch is dominated by a translucent dome, made of blue sapphire, in which stars and constellations are laser-engraved. While stunning enough by itself, Bovet also filled them in with Super-Luminova so that they will light up at night. The outer ring shows the twenty-four hours of the day, while at the same time showing the visible part of the night sky. On the right side of it, we find the retrograde minutes, as well as the power reserve indicator. The left side is reserved for a moon phase indicator but also shows the difference between the time we use and the solar time.
For Bovet, this was not complicated enough, as the Récital 20 Astérium also has a backside on which we find the annual calendar, which is indicated by a single hand which makes a full rotation every 365.25 days. During this time, it not only tells the days and months but also shows the signs of the zodiac, as well as solstices, equinoxes and seasons.
To present these stunning complications in the best way possible, Bovet also opted for a watch case with a slanted profile. This not only highlights the three-dimensional nature of the movement, but also brings all the complications in perfect view for the owner to enjoy!
