Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” – Wristwatch, Pocket Watch and Desk Clock in One

There is something special about the Monsieur Bovet… This subtly sophisticated watch is imbued with a sense of nostalgia for bygone elegance and its classical lines are clearly inspired by pocket watches. A truly versatile watch, it incorporates Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible case concept. Not one watch, but four watches rolled into one. Here is our take on the new Bovet “Monsieur Bovet”.

Bovet’s patented convertible case is an ingenious system enabling the wearer to transform his timepiece from a reversible wristwatch (a single movement drives its two dials) to an open face pocket watch to a free-standing table clock – all this with minimal effort and without the use of any tools.

Invisible push pieces are incorporated within the case. Pushing the cabochons on the buckle at 12 o’clock at the same time releases the upper strap. Another push piece hidden in the bezel allows the release of the lower strap transforming the watch into a pocket watch. The hinged bezel also serves as a support meaning you can use it as a miniature table clock. It is quite simple to use – just watch the following short video.

The 43mm case of the Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” is in white gold and features the distinctive crown and special attachment at 12 o’clock. Inside ticks hand-wound calibre 13BM09AI, developed and manufactured in-house (Editor’s note: Bovet even manufactures hairsprings in-house). This large movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and can store an impressive 7 days of power reserve in one barrel. It stands out by its ability to display the hours, minutes and seconds (coaxially for the seconds) on either side of the watch. This technical feat resides in superimposing two seconds wheels rotating in opposite directions on the same axis.

On one side, it displays the off-centred hours and minutes and the movement with its splendid symmetrical architecture. The balance wheel offers a counterpoint to the centre wheel. The seconds are indicated at 6 o’clock by a triple hand. Adjacent to the guilloché dial, the power reserve indicator reveals what remains of the 7 days of autonomy. It is finely finished with Geneva stripes, blued screws and bevelled edges.

On the reverse side, the Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” reveals a more classical style. The elegant hand-guilloché dial features applied Roman numerals and a small seconds counter at 6 o’clock. It is paired with original serpentine hands.

The Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” comes on an alligator strap with a pin buckle. It wears slightly bigger than the 43 mm diameter would suggest but the mobile strap attachment allows the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist. The chain of the pocket watch is rhodium-plated silver.

Pocket watches are perfect to accessorise a three-piece suit. If you are not ready to take the plunge of the limited use you might get out of a pocket watch, the Bovet Monsieur might be worth a closer look. In any case, this versatile timepiece stands out for its singular, nostalgic elegance and is finely crafted to Bovet’s exacting standards.

The Bovet “Monsieur Bovet” is also available in red gold and with a blue guilloché dial. Price is set at CHF 50,000 in red gold and CHF 53,000 in white gold. Last but not least, Bovet offers a 5-year warranty. For more information, please visit www.bovet.com.