The skeletonized Bovet 1822 Virtuoso XI reveals the magnificence of high watchmaking.

The highly decorated transparent Bovet 1822 Virtuoso XI

In addition to the material value of precious materials, passion accounts for much of the cost of pieces produced in watchmaking’s upper echelons. This passion, which fuels a devotion to craft, is nowhere more evident than at Swiss watchmaker Bovet (bovet.com). Pascal Raffy, a passionate collector of Haute Horology himself, became the sole owner of Bovet Fleurier in 2001.

Based in a castle in Neuchâtel, the pride and dedication to Bovet’s exacting standards remain evident in every piece they produce.

The Viruoso XI reveals its artistry with spectacular effect

“In today’s world of mass-produced luxury, here at Bovet, we focus on hand-craftsmanship and the human touch,” Raffy says. “I am proud to introduce the Virtuoso XI, which combines contemporary high watchmaking with artisanal hand-finishing and hand-engraving. This piece is an ode to Bovet’s artisans, who take such pride in every step of the process.”

The Virtuoso XI takes its name from the talent of an enormous team of devoted artisans who work together to create this masterpiece. Every aspect of their expertise is expressed by the Virtuoso XI, the first fully skeletonized timepiece in Bovet’s collection, which reveals spectacular handiwork from every angle.

The Viruoso XI reveals its artistry with spectacular effect

The structural integrity of the movement, from base plates and bridges, has been re-engineered to be openworked and yet appropriately strong. The flying tourbillon movement provides an astounding ten days of power reserve and uses a spherical differential winding system that received two patents.

The Virtuoso XI’s many components were reconsidered to allow engraving from both sides, a stunning effect that showcases the collective skill of the 60 craftspeople it takes to construct each watch.

The Viruoso XI reveals its artistry with spectacular effect

The new Virtuoso XI is available in 18k white gold, either engraved or highly polished, and set with brilliant white diamonds or without. It’s a truly breathtaking timepiece from Bovet 1822, a horological work of art wherein the dreams and ambitions of this historic manufacture remain totally transparent.