BOVET’s luminescent butterfly

In a world first, BOVET 1822 has unveiled the Château de Môtiers 40 that brings a new dimension to the decorative arts – a luminescent painting on the dial presenting a different motif when dark

For almost two centuries, the miniature paintings adorning the cases and dials of BOVET’s timepieces have fascinated and charmed the most demanding enthusiasts of art and fine watchmaking.

To complement its 195th anniversary, BOVET is demonstrating just how much potential for innovation still remains, in complete respect of the tradition and rules of their art. This choice attests to the unremitting desire of Pascal Raffy, owner of BOVET 1822 and DIMIER 1738, to perpetuate and reinforce the watchmaking arts.

The innovation in question is illuminating. It involves combining the traditional technique of miniature painting with the layered application of luminescent material.

The work painted by the artist on the dial’s surface therefore becomes visible both by day and by night. The technique presents the artisan with a multitude of expressive possibilities, such as designing a motif that appears different after dark from that which is visible by day.

The skill lies in applying the luminescent material to achieve the same level of detail by night as by day, almost as if the artist is creating two paintings simultaneously. The artisan is also faced with a new constraint, in that he must repeatedly move from a lit room to a dark one in order to gauge each step of his meticulous work.

The watch powered by the self-winding 11BA15 calibre movement runs at a frequency of 28,800 vph and boasts a power reserve of 42 hours. The 18 K red gold case, 40 MM in diameter, is set with 109 round-cut diamonds ~1.31 ct on the bow and bezel, and is water resistant to 30 M. The red gold case is complemented with a full skin alligator strap and an 18K red gold ardillon buckle.

The iridescent white mother-of-pearl dial is beautifully illustrated with the miniature painting of a butterfly, with the hours and minutes indicators. By presenting an entire collection based on this major innovation, BOVET 1822 is once again confirming its reputation as the ultimate pioneer and reference in the applied arts.