ART in TIME, the prestigious gallery in Monaco dedicated to exceptional timepieces, proudly unveils a unique creation born from the collaboration with Bovet 1822: the Monsieur Bovet “Quetzal”. This extraordinary timepiece embodies the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie, artistic craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism, paying homage to the mythical quetzal, a bird revered for its beauty and deep cultural significance.
The quetzal, native to Central America, is celebrated for its resplendent emerald-green plumage and striking red breast, a color combination that has made it a legendary creature in both nature and mythology. In ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, the quetzal was associated with Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent god, and symbolized freedom, nobility, and divine beauty. Due to its elusive nature, it was said that a quetzal could not survive in captivity—an allegory for independence and transcendence. Inspired by these profound meanings, Bovet 1822 and ART in TIME have transformed this symbolism into an exquisite timepiece that reflects both artistic virtuosity and watchmaking excellence.
The Monsieur Bovet case, inspired by pocket watches, features a crown positioned at 12 o’clock and a finely engraved bow inscribed with “Pièce Unique”. This timepiece offers a double-sided display, allowing collectors to admire two distinct faces:
• The first side showcases the hand-painted quetzal miniature, set against a pristine background to emphasize its vibrant hues.
• The second side reveals a mesmerizing openworked movement, accompanied by a guilloché green dial—a nod to the quetzal’s plumage—with four delicate baguette-cut emerald indices at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock.
At its core, this timepiece is powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement offering an impressive 7-day power reserve, a testament to Bovet’s technical mastery and commitment to enduring performance.
Further enhancing its versatility, the Monsieur Bovet “Quetzal” is designed with Bovet’s signature Amadéo convertible system, allowing it to be effortlessly transformed into a pocket watch. This exceptional piece is delivered with a matching white gold chain, enabling its wearer to appreciate both its horological artistry and heritage-inspired elegance in multiple ways.
The Monsieur Bovet “Quetzal” is housed in an 18K white gold case, meticulously hand-engraved with fleurisanne motifs, a traditional decorative technique synonymous with Bovet’s heritage. At its heart lies a hand-painted miniature of the quetzal, a stunning work of art created by a master artisan over 71 hours of meticulous craftsmanship. The level of detail captures the bird’s iridescent feathers, its vibrant red breast, and its aura of elegance, making the dial a true masterpiece. Adding a refined touch, ruby cabochons adorn the crown and lateral screws, echoing the quetzal’s striking red plumage. This interplay of color and texture enhances the watch’s visual harmony, merging nature’s artistry with horological savoir-faire.
