iW Magazine Winter 2019 | Page 46

BOUTIQUE BOVET Amadeo Fleurier Virtuoso V The Amadeo Fleurier 43 Virtuoso V is the next generation of high watchmaking from the Bovet brand. Inside the Reversible Amadeo case beats Virtuoso II caliber, developed and manufactured by the Maison to power the two display dials necessitated by the Amadeo convertible case. Bovet ensures that all watches in the Amadeo collection provide information on both sides of the movement. One side displays hours, minutes, and seconds as well as the power reserve while allowing the movement’s architecture and finissage to be admired, while the other side repeats the display of hours, minutes, and seconds in a jumping hours and retrograde minutes display. Beating at 21,600 VPH, the new Virtusoso will run for five days on a single barrel with an extra long mainspring. One particularly interesting and very rare complication is the sub-seconds display which appears on both dials and is run from the same axis, but reverses direction to run clockwise in both directions. Balance and symmetry are artfully incorporated into all the watch’s mechanical complications, but with top-notch finishing and high watchmaking decor, both sides are beautiful. This is especially critical in the Amadeo watches as the custom-crafted cases can be transformed into a reversible wristwatch, a table clock or even a pocket watch dangling from a gold chain – all without the need for any tools. Price: $70,200 (rose gold) and $73,500 (white gold). IW RATING Design: 9 (out of 10) Wonderful juxtaposition of mechanical components featured on one dial with deep colors of champleve’ enamel on the reverse. Innovation: 8 Multi-purpose case paired with multiple complications. Finissage: 9 Superb surface finishes on all case, dial and movement components. Legibility: 8 Excellent contrast on petit hour & minute hands. Rarity: 8 Very limited production. Value: 6 Secondary market shows volatility within the brand’s offerings. Overall iW rating: 48 (out of 60) 46 | INTERNATIONAL WATCH | WINTER 2019