The new Bovet 1822 Récital 23 in green and blue is a visual extravaganza for the wrist

Fergus Nash

• The Bovet 1822 Récital 23 is advertised as a women’s watch, however it can suit any lover of opulence.
• The Writing Slope case angles the dial towards you for easier reading.
• The moonphase display only needs adjusting every 122 years, and the twin-barrel movement offers 62 hours of power reserve.

Bovet are a brand with a fascinating history, and their modern incarnation has elevated their reputation even further with high-luxury pieces that are rather exclusive, to say the least. Whether or not you care for resurrected brands, much of their contemporary catalogue demands attention through its sheer opulence and grandeur. It’s a powerful statement to say that the Bovet 1822 Récital 23 is among their most impressive models, and it’s even more resplendent in these new green and blue colour schemes.

If you haven’t set eyes on the Bovet 1822 Récital 23 before, you may need to take a moment to let it sink in. There are several aspects which make it seem almost unreal at first glance, and the oval case shape is not one that’s seen very often in watchmaking. Measuring 38.7mm by 43mm, it’s a thought-out case that’s completely gender neutral for all lovers of the gaudy and spectacular.   These two varieties are hewn from 18k red gold, and set with 174 round-cut diamonds around the sides and 72 more on the bezel. Along with the cabochon crown, this is truly a piece of jewellery beyond the abilities of most watchmakers in scope or execution.

It’s hard to know where to begin when analysing the dials of the Bovet 1822 Récital 23, but one of the most intriguing elements is actually still a part of the case. Called the “Writing Slope”, the whole case is angled downwards so that the dial is easier to read when your arms are laying on a desk. It’s not that rolling your wrist an extra few degrees is actually difficult, but the idea behind the design adds a romantic flair that writers will adore. The miniature clock display which tells the time appears from a distance to look like some kind of precious stone, but it’s actually a hand-chiselled guilloché and lacquer finish in either “vibrant green” or “baby blue”. The ornate handset ensures there’s not a single boring part of the watch, and also forms a love heart once every hour.

The rest of the dial sparkles in silver, with a shooting star heading towards a three-dimensional moonphase display that can be adjusted from the cabochon pusher. In theory, it only needs to be adjusted once every 122 years. The calibre 11DA17-MP uses twin barrels for a generous 62-hour power reserve, and although there’s no seconds hand to appreciate the smooth sweep, you can hear the 4Hz beat rate.

The new Bovet 1822 Récital 23 in green and blue pricing and availability:

Bovet 1822 watches are made in a limited capacity, however there is no limited edition number applied to the new Récital 23 models. Price: €120,000 (or €70,000 with diamonds only set in the bezel)

Brand	Bovet 1822
Model	Récital 23
Case Dimensions	38.7mm x 45mm
Case Material	18k red gold
Water Resistance	30m
Crystal(s)	Sapphire
Dial	Silver with green or blue subdials
Strap	Green or blue alligator leather
Movement	11DA17-MP
Power Reserve	62 hours
Availability	Available now
Price	€120,000 (or €70,000 with diamonds only set in the bezel)