BOVET Fleurier

This is the BOVET Fleurier D814 Dragon, from the prestigious haute horlogerie manufacture BOVET. Its original retail price was approximately ¥5 million. Although BOVET is not widely known in Japan, it is a globally recognized ultra-luxury brand. The brand is known as a manufacture that limits annual production to 800 pieces, with one-third made to order. Its standard collection ranges from approximately ¥3 million to ¥60 million, while made-to-order pieces can reach virtually unlimited prices. This is the BOVET Fleurier D814 Dragon, produced by BOVET around 2006–2008. Its original retail price was approximately ¥5 million. It uses a manufacture caliber developed and produced entirely in-house by BOVET. Fleurier is a core collection featuring pocket-watch-inspired cases and dials decorated with guilloché and finished in vivid lacquer, among many other distinctive characteristics. The most eye-catching feature is the dragon engraved on the dial. The beautiful colors and delicacy of the engraving, together with its imposing presence, make this a remarkable piece. The BOVET name rendered in Japanese characters on the dial also conveys a sense of history. (The typeface itself is based on the style used on pocket watches in the early 1900s.) The Blued-Steel Hands are another distinctive feature. Known as serpentine hands, this design has been used by BOVET for more than 100 years. The case and buckle are both White Gold. The skeletonized back reveals the beautiful movement, whose finishing is artistic as well. Current models include the Amadeo Fleurier. Although additional mechanisms have been added, the fundamental design remains the same. Current models with engraved dials are approximately 43 mm, making them somewhat larger. Personally, I find the 39 mm size exceptionally comfortable and versatile to wear. The watch comes with a new aftermarket Strap custom-ordered for BOVET. (The underside has been finished with rubber for improved durability, at a quality nearly equivalent to the original.) The original Strap is also included, although it is pre-owned.