ReviewA Delicate Dance of Skeletonisation: Introducing the Bovet Fleurier Virtuoso XI

With detailed skeletonisation, hand engraving, hand decoration and mechanical mastery, the newly released Bovet Fleurier Virtuoso XI has it all. This all-you-can-see timepiece marks the independent Swiss manufacturer’s first fully skeletonised timepiece, and what a skeleton it is!

The Fleurier Virtuoso

“In today’s world of mass-produced luxury, here at Bovet we focus on handcrafts and the human touch,” says Pascal Raffy, owner of Bovet. Following this theme and objective, the Virtuoso timepieces in the brand’s Fleurier collection represent all of the above and more. Timepieces such as the Virtuoso V, Virtuoso VII and Virtuoso VIII showcase the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship, finest watchmaking and impeccable aesthetics. Each model is filled with extraordinary finesse and the finest in movement components.

The Virtuoso And Skeletonisation Supreme

There is no denying the fact that a part of the beauty of high watchmaking movement is the mechanical mastery that can be viewed via an open caseback or a skeletonised timepiece. The latter holds a particular appeal, thanks to the full display of the mechanical complexity of a watch. The all-new Virtuoso XI is the brand’s first completely skeletonised timepiece since the house of Bovet was taken over by Pascal Raffy. According to the owner, this timepiece “combines contemporary high watchmaking with artisanal hand-finishing and hand-engraving. This piece is an ode to Bovet’s artisans, who take great pride in every step of the process.” 

We are all aware that skeletonisation is a delicate process. Care should be taken to remove enough material to create supreme aesthetics without compromising on the robustness of the movement. Keeping this in mind, the flying tourbillon movement of the Virtuoso XI was created using the Virtuoso VIII of 2017 as the starting point for this open-worked masterpiece. The original movement, which is already set with beautiful and finely finished details, makes for the perfect skeleton for re-engineering. This included the removal of the grand date and the gear train to give the movement a more aesthetic look. Additionally, the bridges and plates were made as thin as possible to ensure the skeletonisation looked pleasing from every angle.

Further adding more drama and design to the skeletonised movement was the decision to engrave both sides of the movement’s components. This resulted in the creation of an exceptional and more transparent movement that showcases each of its unique aspects in full display. One look at the Virtuosos XI and you will notice how you dive into the movement and let your eyes wander throughout the skeletonised construction paying attention to every detail.

Magnificent Manufacture Movement

The manual-winding movement that powers the exceptional Virtuoso XI is a true testament of the brand’s expertise in chronometry, reliability and expression. It clocks in a power reserve of 10 days, which amounts to 240 hours, while the industry standard is about 38 to 52 hours. The movement draws its energy from a single barrel and requires meticulous winding via the patented spherical differential winding system. This exclusive system reduces the number of crown turns needed for full winding without increasing friction or creating stress in the gears. Made entirely in-house, the Virtuoso XI’s movement also features a power reserve barrel that is laser-engraved with the signature tea leaf Fleurisanne pattern.

Limited Production For A Limitless Timepiece

The new Virtuoso XI comes in 18-karat white gold. At 44mm, the case follows the ‘writing slope’ structure with an option to choose between engraved and high-polished versions. The brand also provides an option to have the timepiece customised with brilliant-cut white diamonds. The Bovet Virtuoso XI is limited in production due to the incredible amount of work required to create one with more than 60 artisans working together. According to the brand, Bovet can only make one or two per month.

Perfect for the contemporary gentleman, the Virtuoso XI is available with an option to add brilliant-cut white diamonds to the case

The timepiece holds a particular appeal, thanks to the full display of the mechanical complexity of a watch