TWO CENTURIES OF EXCELLENCE

In the world of haute horlogerie, few names resonate with the kind of reverence as Bovet. For over two centuries, the Swiss Maison has remained an icon of artistry, innovation, and uncompromising craftsmanship. And now, Bovet is entering a bold new chapter. 

Welcome to the future of haute horlogerie—where tradition meets transformation.

Édouard Bovet, a visionary watchmaker with an entrepreneurial spirit, founded the House of Bovet in 1822. The Maison quickly earned renown for its exquisite timepieces crafted for the Qing imperial court in China. These early creations—distinguished by their twin-case design, hand-painted enamel dials, and meticulous decorative techniques—cemented Bovet’s reputation as a purveyor of art and precision, and laid the foundation for the brand’s enduring identity.

A New Turning Point

Nearly two centuries later, the Maison has found renewed purpose under the ownership of Pascal Raffy, a passionate collector and businessman who acquired Bovet in 2001. Under his stewardship, Bovet has reasserted its commitment to vertical integration and artisanal craftsmanship, ensuring that nearly every component—from balance springs and movements to cases and dials—is designed, manufactured, and finished in-house. His vision is not just about preserving tradition but evolving it—ensuring that every Bovet timepiece carries the soul of its past while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

A Horological Haven in the Swiss Mountains

What truly sets Bovet apart is the setting in which its masterpieces are born.

At the centre of the Maison’s technical mastery is the Tramelan Manufacture where the mechanical heart of each timepiece is conceived. It is here that raw materials are sculpted into wheels, bridges, plates, and other critical components—all to the exacting standards that define Swiss haute horlogerie.

Complementing this fairytale setting is Château de Môtiers, Bovet’s headquarters and final assembly workshop. Perched on a hillside overlooking the serene Val-de-Travers, the 14th-century medieval fortress is more than just a picturesque landmark; it is the beating heart and soul of Bovet. Once the former home of the Bovet family, Château de Môtiers has since been transformed into a sanctuary of high horology—a poetic blend of history, architecture, and technical mastery. Here, amid vaulted ceilings and sun-drenched stone halls, 27 artisans bring Bovet’s visions to life, blending ancestral techniques with modern ingenuity.

In an era of mass production, Bovet remains a rare anomaly: a Maison that proudly crafts over 95 percent of each timepiece in-house and produces fewer than 1,000 timepieces a year.

The Récital 12 – A Fresh Perspective

Where innovation wears a new face

With a 40mm case crafted entirely in lightweight grade 5 titanium, the Récital 12 delivers all-day comfort without compromising on horological artistry. In 2024, the Maison turned the page to an exciting new chapter with the debut of its very first bracelet timepiece: the Récital 12.

At once youthful and refined, the Récital 12 embodies a fresh design language for Bovet, while preserving all the hallmarks of its craftsmanship.

“The House of Bovet has many facets – traditional, cutting-edge, innovative, high design, and more. The Récital 12 combines high-tech materials with high horology,”
– Pascal Raffy

With a 40mm case and crafted entirely in lightweight grade 5 titanium, the Récital 12 delivers all-day comfort without compromising on horological artistry. The bracelet itself is a technical marvel, featuring a refined combination of polished and matte-brushed finishes, a folding clasp with 3mm adjustability, and Bovet’s signature “V,” which forms an infinity symbol when fastened—a nod to the enduring connection between heritage and modernity.

‍Inside, the timepiece houses a brand-new manual-wind movement developed exclusively for this model. Boasting 227 components and an impressive seven-day power reserve from a single barrel, it exemplifies Bovet’s pursuit of mechanical excellence. The openworked dial reveals the in-house balance wheel, gear train, and a three-pronged running seconds indicator, all anchored by a lacquered guilloché dial in the form of Bovet’s iconic 12-petal lotus flower. With its inverted baseplate for a slimmer profile and meticulous decorative flourishes—from fire-blued screws to the engraved bridge—the Récital 12 is a striking blend of technical mastery and poetic design, heralding a new chapter in the brand’s 200-year legacy.

Material Poetry 

Bovet’s artistry extends beyond mechanics into the realm of visual poetry—where materials, finishes, and proportions come together to tell a story of elegance.

This philosophy comes to life in two striking new semi-precious stone editions of the Récital 12 in 40mm: Malachite and Tiger’s Eye.

Known as the “Stone of Transformation”, malachite has been prized for centuries, thanks to its vivid green hue and organic striations. And in watchmaking, it stands out as a symbol of luxury and individuality.  Malachite holds personal significance for Bovet owner Pascal Raffy, as its mesmerising green tones echo the forested Jura Mountains surrounding the Maison’s fairytale château—an enduring source of inspiration for his vision.


Renowned for its golden-brown tones and distinctive chatoyancy—the shifting “cat’s eye” shimmer that dances with the light—Tiger’s Eye brings a dynamic, almost hypnotic energy to the Récital 12. Each dial is one-of-a-kind, with flowing textures and colour gradients that range from deep espresso to warm honey gold, echoing the natural beauty and individuality that define Bovet’s craftsmanship. Historically revered as a stone of protection, focus, and courage, Tiger’s Eye imbues the Récital 12 with a quiet strength—making it not only a visually arresting timepiece, but also a talisman of confidence and clarity for its wearer.

The Malachite and Tiger’s Eye dial versions of the Récital 12 are limited to only 60 pieces worldwide.

Earlier this year, Bovet also unveiled the Récital 12 in a new 36mm format, offering a more delicate silhouette for those with smaller wrists or collectors who favour a more delicate timepiece.

Dreamt and designed by Pascal Raffy himself, the new Récital 12 36mm version may be smaller in size but remains uncompromising in its technical and aesthetic mastery. Its stainless-steel case is adorned with 56 brilliant-cut diamonds, while the guilloché case back (inspired by a heritage pocket watch) whispers of the Maison’s legacy—a hidden treasure known only to the wearer.

The 36mm model is available with a white mother-of-pearl dial or with a turquoise or raspberry lacquered guilloché dial. These lacquered guilloché dials, crafted entirely in-house, feature Bovet’s signature lotus flower motif, with 12 petals representing 12 hours of the day and night—an elegant symbol of symmetry and renewal.


“The beauty of the Récital 12 36mm lies not just in its appearance, but in its ability to adapt, to move seamlessly between chic and cool.”

“Whether paired with a tailored suit or worn to complement a more casual ensemble, it transforms with the wearer, much like a scarf that effortlessly shifts from an accessory of opulence to a statement of bold individuality.”
– Audrey Raffy, vice president of Bovet

Discover the Récital 12 and other collections at Cortina Watch