The Way Of The Dragon
These days wristwatches often try to double as fitness instructors and personal assistants, BOVET has decided to take things back – way back to ancient China, with its latest horological masterpiece, the Recital 26 Chapter Two Golden Dragon.
When was the last time you looked at your watch and thought, “This is great, but it could really use a solid gold dragon”? Well, BOVET has come to the party with a hand-engraved, 18K gold dragon that is not just a decorative afterthought. This mythical creature takes centre stage in a watch that’s already brimming with horological theatrics.
This isn’t your typical watch decoration; the golden dragon, symbolizing power and luck in Chinese culture, is a central feature, elegantly coiling around the watch’s high-tech features.
This timepiece is a showcase of BOVET’s mastery in watchmaking. It boasts a hemispherical world time display and a patented double-sided flying tourbillon, a feat of engineering that ensures exceptional timekeeping precision. The moon phase, crafted in mother-of-pearl, adds a celestial touch to the ensemble, speaking of elegance and sophistication.
Technically, the Recital 26 Chapter Two is a marvel. The watch is powered by a high-watchmaking, hand-wound manufacture movement (caliber 17DM06-DT), which marries the charm of manual winding with state-of-the-art precision. Its standout feature, a remarkable five-day power reserve, is a feat of engineering, allowing the timepiece to maintain its accuracy over an extended period without the need for daily winding. This extended power reserve not only showcases the efficiency and ingenuity of the movement but also adds a layer of convenience. The movement’s technical prowess is further highlighted by its ability to support complex functions, such as the double-sided flying tourbillon, which is not only a benchmark of accuracy but also a visual spectacle, demonstrating the intricate balance of form and function. The dedication to craftsmanship is evident in the 40-50 hours spent on hand-engraving the dragon alone. This intricate work exemplifies Swiss watchmaking at its finest.
The watch’s design is as impressive as its internals. Housed in an 18K red gold 46.5mm Dimier “writing desk” case with a sapphire caseback, it offers a view into the heart of the watch. The convex blue quartz dial is adorned with an 18K red gold dragon sculpture, creating a stunning visual impact. The timepiece also features a double-face full-skin alligator bracelet with platinum thread stitching and an 18K red gold folding buckle, epitomizing luxury.
In anticipation of 2024, the Year of the Dragon, BOVET’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. The watch is not just a nod to ancient traditions but also a modern masterpiece.