The watchmaking prowess of Bovet 1822 is undeniable, as we have demonstrated in the past. In terms of craftsmanship, its complexity, originality, and finish are on par with other high-end independent watch manufacturers. One of the most intriguing examples from Bovet is the Virtuoso collection. Today, Bovet 1822 presents the new Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two DLC-SLN, a more modern version of their complex watches.
The Virtuoso collection is a series of showcase pieces from Bovet, demonstrating the brand's capabilities in outstanding mechanics and mastery of traditional techniques. Following the stunning Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two, this new iteration brings modernity to the series with some changes.
In high-end watchmaking, such intricately designed watches are usually made of precious metals. However, as we have seen, Bovet is not afraid to push boundaries and create enticing new designs. In this case, the Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two DLC-SLN features a titanium case with black DLC coating and Bovet's signature beveled profile. This blackened case alone transforms the watch's appearance in a completely different direction, especially considering the other changes in the watch, which are purely aesthetic.
The new Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two DLC-SLN model, previously equipped with a pair of aventurine subdials, is available in 5 different color combinations, all with full luminescent coating. This means that instead of just the hands, the entire dial emits a bright green glow in the dark. The dials come in green, blue, yellow-purple, or (ONEWATCH's favorite color) salmon pink. Naturally, all of this is covered by sapphire crystal (as is the case back).
Super LumiNova is not limited to the two subdials; the luminescent material also covers the minute ring around the minute tourbillon. Despite the new appearance, all other details remain unchanged. There is still a central pair of hands indicating the time, a power reserve indicator on the left subdial, and a large date on the right. The date is adjusted with a single press on the blue cabochon set in the crown, without needing to remove the watch from the wrist.
The in-house developed Caliber 17BM06-GD remains at the heart of the action. As expected from Bovet, the finish is top-notch: the plate and several bridges are coated with black Côtes de Genève. The single barrel, visible through the exhibition case back, is designed for a 10-day power reserve when fully wound. The patented double system reduces the number of turns needed for full winding by half, which is very convenient for a 240-hour power reserve. The time is set and the movement is wound using Bovet's signature crown at the 12 o'clock position.
The new Bovet 1822 Virtuoso VIII Chapter Two DLC-SLN watches come with a black alligator leather strap with a pin and a stainless steel clasp with black DLC coating. It is limited to 8 pieces per dial color, totaling 40. The price is 200,000 Swiss Francs.
For more information, visit Bovet.com
Case: 44 mm diameter - inclined titanium case with DLC coating - patented Amadeo crown and lug system at 12 o'clock - domed sapphire crystal - exhibition case back - water resistance 30 meters
Dial: skeletonized - central hours and minutes - small seconds indicated by a gold hand on the tourbillon cage - dual subdial configuration in one of 5 colors - power reserve indicator on the left subdial - large date indicator on the right subdial - subdials, hand tips, and 60-second scale around the tourbillon covered with Super LumiNova
Movement: Caliber 17BM06-GD, in-house - hand-wound movement - 356 components - one-minute flying tourbillon escapement - frequency 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz) - single barrel with 10-day power reserve - hours, minutes, small seconds, large date, power reserve indicator - black Côtes de Genève decoration
Strap: black alligator leather with black DLC-coated stainless steel clasp
Availability and references: Limited to 8 pieces per dial color
T10GD041 - green Super LumiNova dial
T10GD042 - blue Super LumiNova dial
T10GD045 - yellow Super LumiNova dial
T10GD046 - purple Super LumiNova dial
T10GD051 - salmon Super LumiNova dial
Price: 200,000 SWISS FRANCS