Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V Jumping Hours

Bovet watches break from the norm. They stand out for their exquisite craftsmanship and ornate design revealing the complexity of their mechanisms. However, the most striking thing about the Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V is, without doubt, its versatile character. The Virtuoso V is a timepiece with different faces, and it can be transformed from a wristwatch to a pocket watch or even a table clock.

Introduced to the Bovet collections in 2015, the Virtuoso V features a dual display of hours and minutes completed by the patented double coaxial seconds mechanism. This means that, on each side of the watch, the seconds hand will be turning clockwise. With a simple mechanism and two hands attached on both sides of a pinion, this would mean that one turns clockwise while the other one, on the reverse side of the watch, would turn counterclockwise. Here, thanks to the patented mechanism, both hands run in opposite directions.

On one side of the Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V, the hours and minutes are off-centred and paired with the power reserve indication. On the reverse side, the watch features jumping hours and retrograde minutes.

Not everyone realises that the jumping hour is a rare, complex and exacting mechanism. The mechanism needs to accumulate power before releasing it all at once with one swift movement, but with no extra bounce. The jump of the hours must be perfectly synchronised with that of the minute hands. To add to the timepiece’s functions, a corrector allows for the independent adjustment of the hour disc and the display of a different time zone on either side of the watch.

From a technical perspective, the hand-wound calibre Virtuoso II is 31mm in diameter. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. One large barrel drives all the complications and can store up to five days of power reserve.

As you would expect from Bovet, the Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V and its movement are finished to the brand’s exacting standards. On one side, the movement displays a pleasing symmetrical architecture. The bridges are finely chamfered and decorated with Geneva stripes providing a sharp contrast with the black lacquered dial. The caption featured on the inner flange is a maxim written in old French: ‘Faictes de mains de maistres – pour servir ponctuels gentilshommes – ce par quoi attestons longue valeur’ (Masterfully handcrafted – to serve punctual gentlemen – whereby we certify lasting value). On the reverse side, the watch displays finely chiselled and hand-engraved floral patterns characteristic of the Fleurier area and known as ‘Fleurisanne’.

The versatile character of the Virtuoso V goes much further than its reversible display. The pink gold case is fitted with Bovet’s patented Amadeo convertible system. This smart development enables the wearer to transform his timepiece from a reversible wristwatch (a single movement driving two dials) to an open face pocket watch to a free-standing table clock – all this without the use of any tools.

Pressing the invisible push pieces incorporated into the cabochons holding the upper strand of the strap releases it. Lifting the watch bezel releases the lower strand of the leather strap. This hinged bezel can also be used as a support to transform the watch into a miniature table clock.

Despite its complex movement, the case measures just 43mm in diameter and 15.70mm thick. The mobile strap attachments allow the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist.

The Bovet Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V is a limited edition of 100 watches retailing for CHF 65,000. Naturally, this is not cheap but it seems justified given its technical complexity and superb finishing. It is definitely an option to consider if you are looking for a high-end, exclusive watch with a versatile but assertive personality.  Last but not least, Bovet offers a 5-year warranty. For more information, please visit www.bovet.com.