Bovet 1822
Cover The Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One by Bovet 1822 (Photo: Jensen Hoi/Hong Kong Tatler)

The limited edition Bovet 1822 timepiece, decoded

Limited to 60 pieces and housed in an all-new case shape that recalls the slope of an old-fashioned writing desk—an architectural highlight conceived by Bovet’s owner Pascal Raffy—the Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One is outstanding. An extra-large tourbillon and hemispherical moon phase indication take centre stage, thanks to the slanting 48mm sapphire crystal case, which beautifully showcases the watch’s multiple domes, rollers, discs and three-dimensional hands.

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1. Crystalline sapphire

Lighter than titanium and second only to diamond in its hardness, the Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One’s crystalline sapphire case ensures that it’s almost weightless. Meanwhile, its back bezel and four attached lugs are machine-cut from grade 5 titanium.

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2. 10 days' power reserve

Bovet is known for its expertise in long power reserves—one of its pocket watches manufactured in 1900 guarantees 370 days’ worth—and the new calibre that powers the Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One draws its energy from a single barrel that offers 10 days’ power reserve despite the wristwatch’s multiple complications.

3. 48 hours

The gilded titanium carriage bridge alone required two days’ work by a single artisan solely for its decoration.

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Tatler Asia
Bovet 1822
Above The Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One by Bovet 1822 (Photo: Jensen Hoi/Hong Kong Tatler)

4. Moon phase

A three-dimensional moon phase is positioned at 12 o’clock, nestled within the volume of the hours and minutes dial. For added realism, the lunar dome’s surface is engraved and its lower sections are filled with Superluminova.

5. Customisation

Collectors can choose between two types of dial, both of which are available in several different colours and can be decorated with a hand-engraving by one of Bovet 1822’s talented artisans.

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