Mr Pascal Raffy and Maison Bovet 1822 send a sincere message of hope by faithfully supporting the Only Watch initiative, which raises funds for Duchenne muscular dystrophy research. For this edition of the biennial auction, Mr Raffy has designed a timepiece in tune with the Only Watch cause. It is a unique example of the Récital 23, the first female model with the iconic lectern-shaped case launched at Sihh 2019. The case has a vertical oval shape and the bezel tilts, ingeniously revealing the three-dimensional architecture of the movement and its indications. The technical expertise of Bovet 1822's watchmakers creates a fascinating universe and the Maison's engravers and miniature painters add their poetic touch to it. The dial is off-centred in the lower part of the case to allow intuitive reading of the time, while the upper zone displays a hemispherical moon phase. The dome of the moon phase indicator is engraved and the deeper parts are filled with luminescent material. Both by day and night, the moon's reliefs reveal an incredibly realistic interplay of light and shadow. The pronounced curvature of the indicator makes this feat even more remarkable. The reading is made through a three-dimensional circular window that alone requires more than a full day's work to manufacture and decorate. The moon phase precision mechanism requires a correction of just one day every 122 years. A fairy sitting on a crescent moon is delicately painted on the hour and minute dial. This work requires a hundred hours of concentration on the part of the artist, who uses a brush made of a single marten hair and a binocular microscope, indispensable tools for depicting such a small image with a level of detail that has brought enormous prestige to the Maison Bovet for almost two centuries. An aventurine dial forms the backdrop to this poetic composition. Its deep blue and characteristic inclusions paint a sky studded with stars. In perfect harmony with the whole, the Bovet 1822 engravers have contributed to this work of art by producing a brilliant "bris de verre" motif, delicately linking the time display to the moon phase. The final touch to this unique piece is provided by the completely hand-decorated shooting star with a diamond at its centre, which is located on the left side of the timepiece. Its facets make the 72 diamonds on the bezel sparkle. A symbol of purity and eternity, no gemstone could better represent than the diamond the message of hope and support that Mr Raffy and the artisans of the Maison Bovet wish to send to all children and particularly to sick children. The final detail is the unique design of the hour and minute hands, which form a heart each hour as they overlap, offering the most romantic and symbolic expression of time. This piece, unique in many ways, features a grade 5 titanium case to ensure maximum comfort in daily use. The timepiece is powered by an automatic movement with a 62-hour power reserve. It is with deep pride that the craftsmen of Bovet 1822 and Mr Raffy have combined their talents to support the noblest of causes and contribute to Only Watch's exemplary efforts on behalf of children.
