rom the dawn of civilization, stone has been revered as a symbol of permanence, strength, and the passage of time. In the world of horology, the use of stone for watch dials is more than a technical feat — it is a philosophical statement, a celebration of nature’s artistry and the enduring connection between the earth and time itself.

This year for the very first time in more than 200 years, Bovet is introducing semi-precious stone dials, Malachite and Tiger’s Eye, in its Récital 12 collection, the House’s first timepiece ever on a bracelet. The vibrant stones add a new aesthetic to this versatile, comfortable, daily-wear timepiece, designed to be constant companion throughout your busy life.

To choose stone as the canvas for a watch dial is to embrace the unpredictable beauty of nature; no two dials are ever alike, each revealing unique patterns, hues, and textures shaped by geological forces beyond human control.

Both stone dial versions of the Récital 12 are limited to 60 pieces for the world.

Malachite dials are celebrated for their mesmerizing green hues and intricate, naturally occurring patterns, which range from wavy bands to concentric circles, making each dial a one-of-a-kind work of art. The green also echoes the forest-covered Jura Mountains around the Bovet castle, a strong source of inspiration for Mr. Pascal Raffy, owner of the House.

This copper-rich carbonate mineral has been prized for centuries, but in watchmaking, it stands out as a symbol of luxury and individuality. Malachite has been valued for millennia, used by the ancient Egyptians for jewelry, pigments, and copper production. It is also known as the “Stone of Transformation,” symbolizing change and emotional healing.

The process of crafting a malachite dial is both meticulous and challenging: the stone must be carefully selected, cut to an ultra-thin slice, reinforced with a metal backing for stability, and then polished to a mirror finish, all while preserving its delicate structure, as malachite is relatively soft and brittle. The result is a dial that not only captivates with its vibrant color and depth but also serves as a testament to the fusion of nature’s artistry and human craftsmanship.

Tiger’s Eye dials are renowned for their striking golden-brown tones and the signature “cat’s eye” effect, a shimmering band of light that seems to move across the surface as the watch is tilted. This effect, known as chatoyancy, is a hallmark of this quartz family mineral, giving each dial a dynamic, almost hypnotic quality that is impossible to replicate artificially. Each Tiger’s Eye dial is unique, with flowing textures and color gradients ranging from deep brown to honey gold, ensuring that no two watches are ever alike. The resulting dial exudes natural luxury and warmth, making it a favorite among collectors seeking to add style, and a touch of the earth’s energy to their timepieces.

Tiger’s Eye has been used for centuries as a talisman for protection, willpower, and courage. In various cultures, it is worn or carried to ward off misfortune and to bring good luck, and it is said to clear mental blocks, enhance focus, and promote emotional resilience, making it a popular choice for those seeking confidence and clarity in decision-making.

Ultralight and sized at 40mm, the Récital 12 has been carefully engineered to provide exceptional comfort and wearability, resulting in a timepiece that is perfect for anything and everything – a true example of living the Good Life.

Don’t be fooled by its seeming simplicity, the bracelet itself is a true work of art, designed with meticulous attention to detail. Its ingenious folding clasp incorporates an expansion mechanism, allowing for up to 3mm of adjustability to accommodate minor fluctuations in wrist size throughout the day. The combination of polished and matte-brushed surfaces, along with the incorporation of the “V” of Bovet, creates a visually stunning and harmonious design. When the folding clasp comes together, the tips of the V form an infinity symbol.

On the dial side showcasing the natural stones, the manufacture movement has been inverted and opened up to expose Bovet in-house balance wheel and regulating organ, as well as a portion of the gear train. On top of the seconds wheel is a running seconds indicator with three fire-blued hands.

The movement provides seven days of power reserve (168 hours) from a single barrel, emphasizing Mr. Raffy’s commitment to provide collectors with power reserves much longer than the current standard in watchmaking, 36-48 hours. Thanks to Bovet’s integrated manufacture, more than 95% of the components are produced in-house, including the hairspring and regulating organ.

With the Récital 12 Malachite and Tiger’s Eye, Bovet celebrates the Good Life by highlighting technical excellence and stylish design with natural stones. These two new Récital 12 limited editions transform every glance at the wrist into a meditation on time itself.