Continuing the legacy of one of the most prestigious Grand Maison’s of independent watchmaking, the Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter Two watch in red gold is characterised by complexity, uniqueness and beauty. Defined by its exceptional dial arrangement, the piece exhibits meticulous finishing throughout, and additionally, has the advantage of an extraordinary in-house mechanical movement which has been hand-crafted and finished. For this model, resplendent 18ct. red gold and blue quartz combine to create a magnificent and exclusive model.

The watch is presented in the trademark Bovet ‘writing slope’ case, crafted from 18ct. red gold, and its polished and elegantly inclined form provides a luxurious housing for a dial arrangement which is nothing less than spectacular. Here, upon a transparent backdrop, a trio of three-dimensional domes take up position. Offering the wearer an exquisite illusion, the domes appear to float, while beneath and around them, the anatomy of the calibre is exposed.

At the 12 o’clock position,  the hours and minutes for local time are indicated on a stunning blue quartz dial, via hands which conform to accommodate its curved domed form. At the 3 o’clock location, the domed universal time display, also in deep blue, is inscribed with 24 global locations using graceful, tapering script. Enabling instant and intuitive reading of all the cities, the wearer can, at his discretion, highlight one location, using a charming golden V-shaped indicator. Directly opposite, at the 9 o’clock position, a domed moon phase display shows the waxing and the waning of the moon in both hemispheres, viewable though a pair of open-worked golden loupes which are intertwined to form a delightful figure of eight. A delicate artwork in itself, the surface of the moon has been hand-engraved and its calculations are enabled by micro-mechanics so precise, that no human intervention will be required for 127 years, if the movement is kept running.

While the hours and minutes dial for local time is static, the world timer and moonphase displays each complete their varying rotations on a trio of ruby rollers which enable friction-free movement, and which can be seen on the peripheries of their domed structures.  Using screws of astoundingly tiny proportions, both domes can be adjusted for precision and balance. Applied Super-LumiNova on the indications gives each dome an ethereal character after dark, while also promoting usability in poor light conditions.

The three domed indications integrate and complement one another,  giving this superb façade a poised and refined personality, and together they would be enough to ensure the desirability of this special edition. However, as a final flourish of finesse, at the six o’clock, a one-minute flying tourbillon enlivens the dial while also displaying the seconds.  Clasped on the dial-side by five prongs, it is topped with a precious cabochon.

Viewable through the sapphire caseback, the immaculate finishing and loupe-worthy attention to detail devoted to the manual-winding Bovet Manufacture 17DM06-DT movement can be appreciated. And, even though the flying tourbillon can admired fully on the front, it is equally compelling when viewed on the movement side, where it appears to be almost entirely suspended and set adrift from the airy decorated bridges, vivid rubies and blued screws which surround it. Beating at 21’600vph, the calibre has a generous five-day power reserve, and a linear indication of the winding status of the watch can be viewed using the indicator which is tucked in neatly on the upper part of the case between the two lugs.

Presented in an 18ct. red gold case, and with a blue quartz dial, the Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter Two watch is a masterful showcase timepiece which demonstrates the essence of Haute Horlogerie through its impeccable construction, finishing and arrangement. Presented on a double face full skin alligator leather strap with platinum thread stitching, and secured with an 18ct. red gold folding clasp, the model is also available with blue aventurine glass or green quartz dial options, each offered in an exclusive release of 5 pieces per edition.