Bovet 1822 has unveiled a watch whose dial has a miniature painting that glows in the dark.

The innovative technique is a world first, and brings a new dimension to decorative arts in watch making, the Swiss watchmaker says.

For almost two centuries, the miniature paintings adorning the cases and dials of Bovet’s timepieces have fascinated and charmed the most demanding enthusiasts of art and fine watchmaking.

To commemorate its 195^th anniversary, Bovet is demonstrating just how much potential for innovation still remains, in complete respect of the tradition and rules of their art. 

This choice attests to the unremitting desire of Pascal Raffy, owner of Bovet 1822 and Dimier 1738, to perpetuate and reinforce the watchmaking arts.

The innovation in question is illuminating. It involves combining the traditional technique of miniature painting with the layered application of luminescent material.

The butterfly painted by the artist on mother-of-pearl dial’s surface therefore becomes visible both by day and by night. The technique presents the artisan with a multitude of expressive possibilities, such as designing a motif that appears different after dark from that which is visible by day.

The skill lies in applying the luminescent material to achieve the same level of detail by night as by day, almost as if the artist is creating two paintings simultaneously. The artisan is also faced with a new constraint, in that he must repeatedly move from a lit room to a dark one in order to gauge each step of his meticulous work.

The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber 11BA15 with a frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 42 hours. 

Its 40-mm case is in 18-karat red gold with the bow and bezel set with 109 diamonds.

The watch has a full skin alligator strap and is water resistant to 30 m.

By presenting an entire collection based on this major innovation, Bovet is once again confirming its reputation as the ultimate pioneer and reference in the applied arts.