Art in Time x Bovet 1822 Present A Unique Timepiece Named “Quetzal”

Métiers d'Art at its Pinnacle

PRESS RELEASE | 360 WORDS | 2 MIN READ

18th February, 2025: Monaco's prestigious ART in TIME gallery has unveiled a breathtaking collaboration with Bovet 1822. The Monsieur Bovet "Quetzal", an extraordinary timepiece that transcends the boundaries of Haute Horlogerie,  is a tribute to the mythical quetzal, a bird revered for its beauty and profound cultural significance, masterfully translated into a work of horological art.

A Symbol of Freedom and Divine Beauty

The quetzal, with its resplendent emerald-green plumage and striking red breast, has captivated imaginations for centuries. In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, it symbolized freedom, nobility, and divine beauty, associated with the feathered serpent god Quetzalcóatl. The legend that the quetzal could not survive in captivity further cemented its status as a symbol of independence and transcendence. Bovet 1822 and ART in TIME have captured this essence, transforming the quetzal's symbolism into a tangible masterpiece of artistic virtuosity and watchmaking excellence.

Métiers d'Art at its Pinnacle: A Hand-Painted Masterpiece

The Monsieur Bovet "Quetzal" is housed in an 18K white gold case, adorned with intricate fleurisanne hand-engravings, a hallmark of Bovet's heritage. But the true star of the show is the hand-painted miniature of the quetzal on the dial. A master artisan dedicated over 71 hours to capture the bird's iridescent feathers, vibrant red breast, and elegant aura. The level of detail is simply breathtaking, transforming the dial into a miniature work of art.

Ruby cabochons on the crown and lateral screws, echoing the quetzal's red plumage, add a touch of refined elegance. This interplay of color and texture creates a visual harmony, seamlessly blending nature's artistry with horological savoir-faire.

A Double-Sided Marvel

The Monsieur Bovet case, inspired by classic pocket watches, features a crown at 12 o'clock and a hand-engraved bow inscribed "Pièce Unique." The watch boasts a double-sided display, offering two distinct faces to admire:

• Side One: The hand-painted quetzal miniature stands out against a pristine background, showcasing its vibrant hues.

• Side Two: An openworked movement reveals the intricate mechanics, complemented by a guilloché green dial with baguette-cut emerald indices, a nod to the quetzal's plumage.

At the heart of this masterpiece lies a hand-wound mechanical movement with an impressive 7-day power reserve, a testament to Bovet's technical mastery.

Image Courtesy: Art in Time - Bovet Quetzal (side 1)

Image Courtesy: Art in Time - Bovet Quetzal (side 2)

Convertible Elegance: From Wrist to Pocket

Adding to its versatility, the Monsieur Bovet "Quetzal" features Bovet's signature Amadéo convertible system. This ingenious design allows the watch to be effortlessly transformed into a pocket watch, accompanied by a matching white gold chain. This convertible functionality allows the collector to appreciate the timepiece's artistry in multiple ways.

Image Courtesy: Art in Time

Image Courtesy: Art in Time

Where Time Meets Art: A Timeless Tribute

The Monsieur Bovet "Quetzal" is more than just a watch; it's a symbol of artistic dedication and horological excellence. It embodies the beauty, rarity, and freedom of the quetzal, representing a timeless tribute to craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

This unique masterpiece is exclusively available at ART in TIME, Monaco, reinforcing the gallery's commitment to showcasing rare and meaningful works of horology.

Image Courtesy: Art in Time

• MONSIEUR BOVET “QUETZAL” PIECE UNIQUE REF. NUMBER: AI43535-G12346-PU

  CHOPARD X BOVET 1822

  MONSIEUR BOVET “QUETZAL” PIECE UNIQUE

  REF. NUMBER: AI43535-G12346-PU

  Case & Dial

  • Metal : White Gold with fleurisanne engravings

  • Case Diameter : 43,10 mm

  • Thickness : 12,70 mm

  • Dials :

  ▪ Face 1 - Miniature painting of a Quetzal bird requiring 71 hours

  ▪ Face 2 – openworked with green serpentine guilloche subdial and 4 baguette-cut

  emeralds

  • Water resistance : 30 metres

  • Crown Material : white gold with ruby cabochon

  Movement

  • Movement : 13BM09AI

  • Type of Winding : manual-winding mechanical movement

  • Function : hours, minutes, reversed hand-fitting with double co-axial seconds, power reserve

  indicator

  • Power Reserve : 7 days

  • Frequency : 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour)

  • Movement Dimensions : Ø13 3/4

  • Jewels : 41

  Bracelet & Buckle

  • Buckle Type : pin buckle

  • Buckle Material : white gold

  Retail price : 150 000 € excluding VAT

For more information, please visit art-in-time.com