Manufacturer: Bovet Year: Circa 2000 Reference No: A800.0 Case No: 002'390 Material: 18k white gold and mother-of-pearl Calibre: Automatic, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Bovet crocodile strap Clasp/Buckle: 18k white gold Bovet buckle Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With numbered sale tag.
Catalogue Essay
Echoing with far-eastern stylistic influences, chiefly the mother-of-pearl inlaid dial, this timepiece is a very elegant and refined example of the Art of Bovet. Founded in 1822 by Edouard Bovet, the brand specialized throughout the 19th century in the production of exquisite enameled timepieces for the Chinese market. Upholding such an illustrious heritage, today Bovet is well renowned for the quality of its decorations, including enameled dials, engraved and chiseled cases, and, such as in this instance, the use of rare and exotic materials.
The firm Bovet 1822 has a rich, centuries-long history beginning when Edouard Bovet sold four decorative pocket watches in Canton Asia for what would today equal $1 million. By 1822, Edouard, with his brothers, registered the company in London, which at the time was an important center for watches and clocks. That same year, they moved their manufacturing center to the Swiss municipality Fleurier. Bovet became known for their highly decorative pocket watches for the Chinese market. Their richly engraved movements were so important to the watch that Bovet created the concept of the transparent watch back so owners could see the beauty of the movement. Bovet's oversized chronograph wristwatches, such as the Mono Rattrapante chronograph, are especially sought-after. Today, the firm continues their tradition of exquisitely enameled watches.