A watch of compelling beauty and extraordinary complexity, with blue lacquer dials on both sides of its reversible case, the Bovet Virtuoso V in 18Kt white gold is a breathtaking masterpiece of classically inspired haute horlogerie by an independent company which manufactures each piece in-house, in the centuries old tradition of hand crafted artisanale watchmaking.

In every regard, the Virtuoso V stands out as a piece which is conceived and designed like no other, with its remarkable signature Amadeo case which can be reversed, or detached from its strap and connected to a rhodium plated chain, converting it into a pocket watch, or even set on its hinged bezel to stand as a bedside table or desk clock.

The ingenuity of this highly versatile design is beautifully engineered, and is gracefully incorporated to become the defining aesthetic features of the watch. Pivoting along the central axis the entire case can be rotated to offer two spectacular dial options. The fluted onion-shaped crown nestles in an oval lobe on the top of the case, and around it a big articulated bow offers protection, as well as access to facilitate winding and adjusting the time, and for comfort on the wrist, and it accentuates the classical flamboyance of this extraordinary watch.

The Virtuoso V displays the hours, minutes and seconds on both sides but in two very different ways. Both feature dials which feature an intricate feathered pattern of hand guilloché decoration under no fewer that twelve coats of azure blue lacquer, giving each a wonderful sense of depth.

On one side, the splendour of the blue lacquer dial fills the case in an eye catching contrast with the white gold, and the time is shown as retrograde minutes with jumping digital hours in a raised window in the centre.

On the other side, the architecture of the movement is exposed, and its plates and curved bridges which are meticulously finished in circular Côtes de Genève stripes with fine anglage around the edges, surround a decentralised dial where the hours and minutes are displayed via ornate gold hands and applied roman numerals. Here too, the complexity of the reverse gearing of the double co-axial seconds mechanism at the six o’clock position stands out, as the seconds indicators on both faces rotate in opposite directions.

Based in the magnificent Château de Môtiers, which for much of its early history was home to the Bovet Frères Manufacture, and where sister company and movement specialist Dimier work side by side to provide bespoke haute horlogerie calibres for Bovet’s masterpieces, and within the Virtuoso V, the Calibre 13BM11AIHSMR manual winding movement is also entirely designed, developed and manufactured in-house. Beating at 21’600vib/h this superb movement boasts a power reserve of five days, which is also indicated on the mechanical face of the watch.

Presented on an alligator leather strap, with white gold buckle, the Bovet Virtuoso V is an exceptional and distinguished piece for the most discerning and particular collector, and one of outstanding beauty.