SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

1 1 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I In the same vein, its features and complications will always be of use to the collector, both over time and throughout their travels. Only the minute hand is centred on the dial. The hour hand is offset at 2 o’clock. A second hour hand is positioned at 10 o’clock, making the reasoning behind the separate hand-fitting clear. This 24-hour hand displays a second time zone. Both local time and the secondary time zone thus share the minute hand, which is logically positioned at the centre. A big date indication is logically part of this combination of complications. The ingenuity of the Maison’s watchmakers allows the date to be displayed as big as possible, while minimising the space required for its mechanism. The power reserve indicator sits at 8 o’clock, mirroring the big date indicator and bringing a sense of balance to the dial. As the Virtuoso Ix has over 10 days of power reserve, this information is all the more useful. By virtue of the timepiece’s reversibility, it boasts an entirely new face when you turn it over. No dial here. The sapphire crystals provide a view of the movement. On this face, the hours and minutes are centred. The openwork bridges evoke the iconic architecture of 19th century BOVET movements, while the blue and white colour combination was a favourite of the Bovet brothers, who envisioned a truly avant-garde concept of time. A circular opening at 12 o’clock reveals an uncommon mechanism: the spherical differential winding system, a system that holds two patents. The Virtuoso Ix thus gets 10 days of power reserve from a unique barrel. This feature demonstrates how the technicians and watchmakers at Maison BOVET have completely mastered the art of power reserve. The true face of the timepiece, the dial, is by definition the most looked-at component. With the Virtuoso Ix, the Maison’s dial craftsmen once again showcase the extent of their combined talent. The base of the dial is finely guilloched with a sumptuous fan motif. The flinqué dial is bathed in blue tones and highlights, reminiscent of the richness of 19th century enamels. As much for readability as for elegance, the hour contours and second gradations have a circular satin and rhodium finish. Available in white gold, red gold or platinum, the Virtuoso Ix is the culmination of two centuries of uncompromising artisan watchmaking history and art in its noblest form. This tradition is backed by numerous innovations, as the four patents of this particular timepiece demonstrate. In keeping with the achievements of the Bovet brothers, these innovations serve: comfort, reliability, precision, elegance and aesthetics.