The delicate Bovet Amadeo Fleurier -a collection of “convertibles” that can serve as pendants, or table clocks, or simply be worn on a wrist depending on your mood of the day- was first revealed a year ago as a “concept.” Apparently, the collection was welcomed by target groups. Anyway, it was almost inevitable that the Swiss brand would present the production version as a special edition model for St. Valentine’s day.
Offered as a Fleurier Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs edition, the new model is 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 Fleurier Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs is presented in a brilliantly designed and executed “Amadeo” case that easily transforms into a table clock or a pendant (it 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 looks 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 to different combinations of black and white mother-of-pearl dials, different flowers, and the ability to choose from rose gold or white gold cases.
The main point of attraction of this special edition series is the choice of hand-painted dials that feature different flowers.
As it is often done in high-jewelry pieces, 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-karat 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: Jaquet Droz Cloverleaf Ladies in White Gold
Photos: Bovet
Bovet Fleurier Saint Valentin 2011 Mille Fleurs 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 Geneve, winding rotor decorated with Fleurisanne motif
Functions: Hours, minutes
Power reserve: 72 hours
Case: Rose gold or White gold
Shape: Round
Size: 39.00 mm
Dial: Mother of pearl (white or black) hand-painted with flower motifs
Hands: Serpentine-shaped, rose gold or white gold
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Alligator full leather with 18-karat red or white gold pin buckle; Silver-plated, rose gold, or rhodium-plated Sautoir-type chain
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire