Bovet

• cal. 1918 manual winding jeweled lever engraved movement, mono-metallic balance rotating within a one-minute tourbillon carriage, repeating via two hammers on two gongs • blued steel hands • platinum case, bow-shaped lug with cabochon-set crown at 12, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Bovet folding clasp

The movement, tourbillon and repeating mechanism functioning at the time of cataloguing. The hands, typical of the production of Bovet, in excellent condition. The case in very good condition with the usual and inevitable few scuffs and minor indentations. The sound of the repeater not too loud. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information.**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

With a Bovet presentation box. 

One of the most successful Swiss horological dynasties, Bovet was established by four brothers from Fleurier. Three of the brothers, Edouard, Frédéric, and Alphonse, had first set up a business in London in 1815, making watches for the domestic market. In 1818, Edouard was hired by the maison Magniac to be a watchmaker for them in Canton. In 1822, having realised the great possibilities of the Chinese market, the Bovets established their own company in China, Edouard remaining in Canton, Frédéric (born 1786) and Alphonse (1788-1850) working out of London, and Gustave (1790-1849) out of their home town, Fleurier. Affairs prospered, the name “Bovet” becoming almost synonymous with the word “watch” for the Chinese.

Today, under the guidance and ownership of Pascal Raffy, a visionary with a passion for Haute Horlogerie, Bovet has continued to create exquisite timepieces distinguished by their pocket watch inspired form. Combining the beauty of a skeletonized tourbillon with the simple but recognizable feature of Bovet – the unique combination of a crown at 12, the present lot is brought to life under the practiced hand of a Bovet master watchmaker.