Haute Complication: Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One

Over the years Bovet has made quite a name for itself by creating extraordinary, and often very complicated, movements and wrap them in an expressive design that can only be mistaken for one of this brand. This has become a very clear signature style and as a result, a strong DNA. However, as much as Bovet doesn’t like to walk within the boundaries of traditional watchmaking, they also don’t get too comfortable with their designs. Instead of repeating the same thing over and over again, also in here, they like to experiment a bit, and of this is the Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One a perfect example.

As is a tradition within the Récital collection does also this latest addition feature a case at an angle, shaped like a ‘writing desk’. While this, in general, is already a difficult case to produce, making it out of transparent sapphire is even more complex. The result is, however stunning as it does not only allow you to admire more of its complex movement, but also the finishing of the individual parts. While this is standard at Bovet, they are often hidden by the case.

With case measurements of 48mm x 15.5mm is this the largest watch in the Récital collection to date, but because of the sapphire case, it doesn’t look or feel like it. The movement is a complicated thing of beauty and combines a flying tourbillon with a large date, three-dimensional moon phase for both hemispheres as well as a ten-day power reserve. While an impressive combination of complications, it is especially how they are brought together that makes them look so spectacular.

The tourbillon is fitted with a star-shaped cage and balanced out by the moon phase indicator at twelve o’clock, which cuts into the futuristic dial with Arabic numerals printed on them. All these three elements add a great amount of depth to the design. They are flanked by the power reserve indicator on one side and the large date on the other. Here Bovet didn’t go overboard by drawing too much attention to them, but rather let them compliment the rest of the design.

Even the back of this watch is interesting, as there isn’t a mainplate on which the movement is build, but rather a collection of smaller bridges that hold the gear trains from the back. This means that even from this side, there is a lot of depth. While the Bovet Récital 26 Brainstorm Chapter One is, in essence, a fully functional and practical timepiece, it is also much more than that, as its design and finishing make it an object of art, and a true example of what we like to call an ‘Haute Complication’.