1. Bovet Récital 22 Grand Récital acquired the Aiguille d’Or in the 2018 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, did you expect such a feat? What did it add to the company’s profile and procession?
Winning the Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève is undeniably the highest distinction possible. The prize acknowledges the two centuries throughout which the Maison BOVET has actively contributed to the growth and excellence of Swiss watchmaking. But first and foremost, this award recognizes the talent, virtuosity and grit of our craftsmen, who join forces on a daily basis to determine the most noble expression of time. Personally, I take this award both as an honor and as a responsibility: We are held to the standard of expressing time in the most distinguished way in an infinite pursuit of excellence.
2. What is Bovet offering for watch collectors and lovers this year in its first SIHH?
Since I took Bovet over in 2001, I have constantly sought to uphold the values of our House which have remained unchanged for almost two centuries. I defend uncompromising fine watchmaking, with integrated production of all the components of our timepieces, be they our movements (including traditional balance springs that only a handful of companies have mastered worldwide), our cases, our hands or our dials. The craftsmanship aspect is predominant. Our components are thus manufactured in the etymological sense of the word and their finishes, decoration and therefore the very virtuosity of our craftsmen have been the hallmarks of our House since 1822. Finally, the notion of scarcity is very dear to me. It implies a unique dimensioning of our House in terms of the number of timepieces we manufacture and that's certainly what makes us stand out in the current world of watchmaking. It is with this definition of excellence that we will present our timepieces at SIHH.
3. What are your expectations?
BOVET 1822 has always been about Uniqueness in its mechanical skills and its sensitivity to Fine Arts. Nearly two centuries after the House was born, we remain very much attached to true watchmaking values where the craftsman is the key contributor in expressing Time in the most beautiful way. My expectations are linked to bringing more collectors to that necessity of preserving and strengthening such virtuosi skills in this globalized world.
We hope that our collectors will find the timepieces that meet their expectations in terms of artisanal watchmaking in our 2019 collection.
4. Bovet is known for its craftsmanship and elegance; how does an independent company remain at the forefront of horological innovation while pioneering patented new technological innovations?
Independence. I remember when my grandfather once explained to me that luxury calls for a clear identity, in small quantities and must be handcrafted. If you cannot answer these three main points, you are not talking about luxury. You can talk about industrial processes, globalization, that quantity is the essence and marketing is the tool. That is why independence is essential to me.
5. You emphasize on traditional artisans and handcraftsmanship, but how important are they in such a fast-moving world?
Our two centuries of history and our presence within the most prestigious art museums in the world demonstrate our values and respect for traditional "academic" high watchmaking. We mustn't overlook that the Bovet brothers, and the generations that followed, showed themselves to be particularly innovative as history unfolded.
For example, the Bovet brothers are known as the inventors of the transparent case backs (now produced in mineral glass) featured on almost all the pocket watches manufactured from 1822 on. The history of the 19th and 20th century also marked a number of very innovative chronographs that remain technically unequaled to this day, as collectors recognize. We might also cite a pocket watch manufactured in the early 20th century that still today holds the absolute record for autonomy with a power reserve of 370 days. And this list, of course, is non-exhaustive.
Since I purchased the Maison BOVET 1822, we have filed for 17 patents. These exclusively address our technical and chronometric breakthroughs, in respect of our values and our commitment to protecting artisanal methods and traditional materials. Our convertible watch case system – Amadeo –, our double face flying tourbillon and our spherical differential gear are among the most emblematic of these. We also innovate in terms of design, as demonstrated by the writing slope-shaped watch cases from the exclusive collection dedicated to astronomy, of which the Grand Récital is the third timepiece. Even the decorative arts enable us to innovate. For example, we have introduced a miniature hand-painting technique combining traditional methods and the application of luminescent materials, of which the hemispheric earth of the Grand Récital is the ultimate interpretation.
6. How do you describe Bovet performance in the Middle East? What potentials does it still hold?
Definitely, Middle East markets are incredibly vivid, peopled by connoisseurs; human beings sensitive to uniqueness, craftsmanship and innovation, eager to preserve true watchmaking.
7. What is Bovet approach to online sales? Do you consider selling on major platforms?
Some of our retail partners already propose online sales on their sites. My long-term vision has always been the same, and it always will be. My House will continue manufacturing excellent timepieces in accordance with the artisanal traditions of Fine Watchmaking, maintaining the uncompromising quality criteria that characterize our timepieces.
In tailor-made timepiece manufacturing, top-of-the-range service with explanations and close contact with the collector are essential.
8. After all the successes that you accomplished, what do you think will be the biggest challenges for Bovet now?
My vision of the future of our Maison is ongoing and based on the long-term. We will continue to manufacture timepieces to an excellent standard in the greatest respect of artisanal watchmaking. For example, we individually turn the pivot of each wheel and each gear on each movement according to the artisanal method that was already being employed in the 18th century. By perpetuating these methods, we are able to guarantee the incomparable quality of our timepieces.
I am not against the use of new technologies, as long as they further the reliability, chronometry or decorative arts of our timepieces, and as long as they guarantee their lasting quality in the very long term.
Lastly, and the most important for me , to keep always alive and strengthen Year after Year my quest for uniqueness, a deep and permanent concern for each detail with good taste and never to be influenced by fashion knowing it is ephemeral. Tradition with innovation lasts and as far as BOVET will keep its firm will to preserve its values notably Human. The House of BOVET will keep surprising its teams and collectors for their mutual delight and emotion.