The Jumping Hour is a poetic complication, one for which collectors will pause at the end of every hour just to appreciate the instantaneous jump of the hour display. BOVET has added a retrograde minute hand that snaps back to zero just as the hour jumps, giving watch lovers another reason to eagerly anticipate the end of each hour.
The Jumping Hour aperture is placed in the exact center of the full dial, while the retrograde minute arcs above it. The resulting symmetry belies the complexity of this timed jump.
The Virtuoso V integrates these two complications that are difficult to combine. The jump of the hour disk must be perfectly synchronized with the jump of the minute hand, a feat made possible by BOVET 1822’s team of advanced engineers, constructors, and watchmakers. Managing the release of the power is the most challenging, as it has to happen exactly at the same time every single hour.
On the other side is an off-centered hour/minute dial, offering a look into this impeccably finished manufacture movement. Four timepieces in one, the Virtuoso V can be worn on either side, used as a table clock or a pocket watch, all without any tools.
The dials on both sides exemplify the skill of the dial workshop inside BOVET’s manufacture. Done completely in-house, the traditional guilloche pattern is coated with seven layers of lacquer, baked in the oven at 100 degrees, and then polished. The result is a dial of extraordinary beauty and depth, one that changes depending on the angle of the light hitting it.
One additional special feature is that thanks to a corrector on the side of the case, the jumping hour of the Virtuoso V can be set to a different time than the reverse dial, making it a GMT timepiece.
The Virtuoso V has 300 components and takes approximately 10 hours for a skilled BOVET watchmaker to assemble from start to finish.
Versatility.
When designing the Virtuoso V, owner Pascal Raffy wanted a timepiece so unique that could be worn on either side, used as a pocket watch and as a desk clock, but could also offer something extra – a second time zone. The Virtuoso V is the only timepiece using the Amadeo convertible system that can display a different time on the front, due to a unique corrector that alters the time of the Jumping Hour.
A True Virtuoso
The BOVET Virtuoso V is a masterpiece of horological art coupled with mechanical ingenuity. This versatile timepiece is effectively four timepieces in one. Thanks to the patented Amadeo convertible system, it can be worn with either side facing up, used as a table clock, or a pocket watch, all without any tools. For the technically minded, the BOVET Virtuoso V is a jumping hour timepiece with retrograde minutes, and the jumping hour can be set to a second time zone. It features patented reverse-fit hands and a full five days of power reserve (120 hours). The Virtuoso V -- Horological art, mechanical ingenuity and engineering brilliance from the House of BOVET.
For more than 200 years, Bovet 1822 has been manufacturing Swiss Handcrafted timepieces, introducing innovative designs and astounding complications that push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
Mission Statement
Since 1822, the House of BOVET has been focusing on the decorative arts, timepiece design, chronometry, and mechanical timekeeping ingenuity.
With its in-house capability, BOVET 1822 is committed to manufacturing its own components, including complicated movements, dials, cases, and even spirals (something only a handful of companies can claim).
Mr. Pascal Raffy
In 2001, the House of BOVET is purchased by Pascal Raffy, a collector of BOVET and other timepieces.
Mr. Raffy is now the sole owner of BOVET 1822.
In 2006, Mr. Raffy purchased DIMIER 1738, a manufacture of tourbillons and spirals, as well as a case manufacturer.
At the same time, he purchased the Castle of Môtiers, once owned by the Bovet family, and installed the headquarters of the brand and the timepiece assembly, final quality control, as well as the engraving workshop.
Under the visionary guidance of owner Mr. Pascal Raffy, BOVET 1822 acquired renowned tourbillon and dial manufactures in 2006. DIMIER 1738, now renamed BOVET 1822, immediately began producing the Maison’s movements, hair springs, and dials in-house.
Describing Bovet
These are the words we prefer to be used when describing BOVET:
Integrated Manufacture
Today, Bovet is an integrated manufacture doing nearly 100% of the production and assembly of its timepieces.
FUNCTIONS
DIAMETER
THICKNESS (with glasses)
THICKNESS (without glasses)
DIAL
CASE MATERIAL
BRACELET
BUCKLE
CHAIN
WATER RESISTANCE
MOVEMENT
