Bovet

Bovet, a Swiss luxury watchmaker, was established in 1822 by Edouard Bovet. The brand is renowned for its high-quality timepieces that blend Swiss craftsmanship with intricate designs, making it a significant name in horology. Edouard Bovet began his journey when he traveled to China in 1818, where he sold four watches for an amount that would have secured his financial future for life. This laid the foundation for Bovet's focus on the Chinese market, which significantly influenced its early success.

Edouard Bovet’s innovative approach introduced numerous features that set his timepieces apart. Among these innovations was the introduction of highly decorative pocket watches, which combined traditional Swiss watchmaking with exquisite enameling and miniature painting. These watches often featured intricate dragon motifs and other symbols significant in Chinese culture, appealing to the wealthy Chinese consumers of the time.

Bovet watches became known for their dual faces, an innovation that allowed for multiple time displays and artistic versatility. This duality became a hallmark of the brand, known as the “Chinese Market” style, and significantly boosted its popularity.

Ownership of Bovet changed hands multiple times over the centuries, with major shifts occurring in 1889 when the company was bought by the Bovet brothers’ inheritors, and later in 1932 when the company was acquired by Favre-Leuba. A pivotal moment came in 2001 when Pascal Raffy took control of Bovet, bringing with him a passion for horological excellence and a commitment to preserving the brand's heritage.

Under Raffy's leadership, Bovet has revived the art of handcrafted watchmaking and reintroduced historical complications in modern wristwatches, including tourbillons and retrograde perpetual calendars. The manufacturing process, now vertically integrated, varies from the hand-painting of dials to the in-house production of movements, ensuring each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Historical models like the Amadeo Convertible, a modern reinterpretation of the original pocket watch design, continue to celebrate Bovet’s rich legacy.