The movement

Bovet 1822, together with its sister company, Dimier 1738, are notable because, despite their comparatively modest size, they are vertically integrated. Many of the components which are lovingly brought together within this 19 Thirty with Dimier case are made within the confines of the company's three Swiss sites in Môtiers, Tremelan and Plan-les-Ouates.

The Caliber 15BM04 is a hand-wound movement embodying much of the peerless craftsmanship synonymous with Bovet. Admiring the movement, one is struck by the flawless finissage and no-compromise construction of this watch.
The bridges are adorned with circular Côtes de Genève motif, with each curving stripe delightfully defined. Gleaming bevels are also much in evidence. I particularly like the large, unhindered views of the mainplate, decorated with pleasingly presented perlage.
Sadly, modern watches often hide comely circular grained wheels beneath huge, oversized bridges. Thankfully, Bovet has revealed much of the gear train, an aspect I especially appreciate, further reinforcing my affection for this watch.
Thermally blued screws complete the inventory of 'must-haves' for any self-respecting, diehard purist and, once again, Bovet indulges such cravings.
A key aspect of this watch is the prodigious power reserve supplied by the sole mainspring. The 7-day power reserve is very impressive for a watch equipped with only one spring barrel.

Closing remarks

I have long been an admirer of Bovet's timepieces but have always been resigned that their pulchritudinous forms have been beyond my financial grasp or at least until now. A welcome attribute of Bovet's 19 Thirty Collection is affordability. The recommended retail price of CHF 16,800 excluding taxes (RRP as at 26.11.2015) places this watch firmly within my budget and that of many other individuals with a penchant for fine timepieces.
I like the inspiration for the 19 Thirty Collection. When timepieces moved from being worn in a waistcoat pocket to gracing the wrist, watch companies did not eschew craftsmanship. The finest examples of wristwatches upheld the skills and trades which made them covetable for future generations and this continues to be perpetuated by accomplished maisons such as Bovet.
In contrast, imagine for a moment inheriting an old mobile phone or a laptop computer from the 1980s or, one day, a 'smart watch'. The intrinsic obsolescence of such items renders them undesirable in the long term and they represent potential post-dated landfill.
The advent of the wristwatch should be celebrated and Bovet should be congratulated for creating a fitting tribute, capable of being cherished for decades to come. Sadly, I don't envisage looking back at the first smart watches with the same affection. vedere di piu orologi e Rolex Datejust II