Bovet - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Bovet
    Year: Circa 1945
    Reference No: 5347
    Case No: 5779
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm. Diameter
    Signed: Dial signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1936, Bovet created and patented a “mono-rattrapante” chronograph system that acted similarly to a split-seconds mechanism, however without the heavy cost to manufacture. The mechanism was operated through the top chronograph button, while the lower button would stop it and when released allowed the time to catch up to the actual time. This was done via tension in a hairspring that built up as the chronograph button was held, and when released the hairspring unwound.

    The present example is one of the best to be offered at auction. Not only is the case unpolished, but the dial has aged to a lovely brown over the years, adding charisma to an already beautiful watch. Crisp and clean, with part of the case number stamped to the underside of the lug “779”, this watch is an excellent example of early 20th century innovation.

  • 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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FROM AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR

941

Ref. 5347
A very attractive and rare stainless steel mono-rattrapante chronograph wristwatch with tropical dial

Circa 1945
38mm. Diameter
Dial signed

Estimate
HK$105,000 - 160,000 
€11,600-17,600
$13,500-20,500

Sold for HK$237,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018