The delicate Bovet Amadeo Fleurier -a collection of “convertible” watches that can serve as a pendant, or a table clock, or simply a good old wristwatch depending on your mood of the day- was first revealed a year ago as a concept model. Apparently, the watch was welcomed by target groups. Anyway, it was almost inevitable that the Swiss brand would present a production version of the watch as a special edition model for the upcoming St. Valentine’s day. Offered as a Bovet Fleurier Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs edition, the watch seems to be available in at least half a dozen versions featuring different materials, colors, and flowers including Pansy (ref. AF39010-SD123-LT07,) and Rose (ref. AF39013-SD123-LT02, pictured above).

Like the rest of the family, the watch is presented in a brilliantly designed and executed “Amadeo” case that easily transforms into a table clock or a pendant (the watch is supplied with a sautoir-type chain, which is made in the same metal as the 39 mm case) and, as other their timekeepers -including the deliberately archaic Sportster– features a winding crown that is positioned at 12 o’clock making it look like a vintage stopwatch.

The watch comes through the transformations literally in a matter of seconds and makes a lasting impression on the audience. However, like a Zippo lighter, it requires a certain amount of skill to be done in a truly brilliant fashion. So, as always: practice the moves before attempting to make the impression. Practice makes perfect, you know.

The new Bovet Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs was presented in four basic versions with extra variations coming thanks different combinations of black and white mother-of-pearl dials, different flowers, and ability to chose from rose gold or white gold cases.

The main point of attraction of this special edition series are the hand-painted dials that feature different flowers.

As it is often done in high-jewelry watches, the dial is decorated with 12 diamonds that serve as hour markers. Dozens of precious stones of the same cut embellish the winding crown guard that also serves as a safety latch for the pendant chain.

The setting crown itself is also adorned with a huge diamond cabochon.

Although the 11BA12 self-winding caliber cannot be called a technical marvel, it is finely decorated with the 22-carat rose gold oscillating weight sporting a gorgeously executed Fleurisanne motif.

To my taste, the new Bovet Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs is the best choice when you are in search of an “I still love you” present.

See also: Angular Momentum A Golden Plume

Photos: Bovet

Bovet Fleurier Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs automatic watch specification

Price: $66,700 USD (MSRP, ref. AF39010-SD123-LT07 “Pansy” in white gold and diamonds) / $72,000 USD (MSRP, ref. AF39013-SD123-LT02 “Rose” in rose gold and diamonds)
Movement: Automatic, Caliber 11BA12, 26.00 mm in diameter, 28,800 vph, in-house, Swiss Made
Movement decoration: Cotes de Geneme, winding rotor decorated with Fleurisanne motif
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case material: Rose gold or White gold
Bezel material: Rose gold or White gold
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 39.00 mm
Lug width: No data
Case height: No data
Dial: Mother of pearl (white or black) hand-painted with flower motifs
Numerals: None
Hands: Serpentine-shaped, rose gold or white gold
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Alligator full leather with 18-carat red or white gold pin buckle; Silver-plated, rose gold or rhodium-plated Sautoir-type chain
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire

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