Bovet - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Bovet
    Year: Circa 1945
    Reference No: 5347
    Case No: 6'039
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 84, 16 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the 1930s, there was a strong demand in the market for a split seconds chronograph wristwatch. However, due to the costly nature of manufacturing such watches, Bovet created, and patented a movement in 1936 that had the ability of a split-seconds chronograph movement, without the costs associated with manufacturing one.

    Thus, the "mono-rattrapante" system, such as the movement housed in the present watch, was born. Once the chronograph mechanism is operated by selecting the top button, the user can temporarily stop the sweep seconds hand by selecting the bottom pusher. During this time, tension builds in the hairspring. When the bottom pusher is released, the tension in the hairspring unwinds, allowing the seconds hand to catch up to the total elapsed time.

    Moreover, the present watch is housed in a 38 millimeter case, which was extremely large for the period. It is interesting to note that the number "39" is engraved beneath the upper left lug, which corresponds to the last two digits of the case number. The gold and copper multi-scale dial is very attractive contrasting again the slate grey dial.

    Most interesting is the movement, which is stamped SXK, denoting the watch was intended to be imported to the United States. Fitting, since "Telemeter" and "Swiss Made" is printed in English.

  • Artist Biography

    Bovet

    Swiss • 1822

    The firm Bovet 1822 has a rich, centuries-long history beginning when Edouard Bovet sold four decorative pocket watches in Canton Asia for what would today equal $1 million. By 1822, Edouard, with his brothers, registered the company in London, which at the time was an important center for watches and clocks. That same year, they moved their manufacturing center to the Swiss municipality Fleurier. Bovet became known for their highly decorative pocket watches for the Chinese market. Their richly engraved movements were so important to the watch that Bovet created the concept of the transparent watch back so owners could see the beauty of the movement. Bovet's oversized chronograph wristwatches, such as the Mono Rattrapante chronograph, are especially sought-after. Today, the firm continues their tradition of exquisitely enameled watches.

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Δ238

Ref. 5347
A rare and large stainless steel mono-rattrapante chronograph wristwatch

Circa 1945
38mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF3,000 - 5,000 
€2,600-4,300
$3,100-5,200

Sold for CHF15,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017