BOVET | Bovet | Sportstar 40 Chronograph, Black & Red
Watch & Jewelry
March 3, 2015

BOVET | Bovet | Sportstar 40 Chronograph, Black & Red


BOVET


Sportstar 40 Chronograph - Black & Red


Text by OPENERS




What unites all BOVET timepieces is their fundamental design, inspired by 19th-century pocket watches. The crown is positioned at 12 o'clock, and the surrounding strap attachment features a bow that encircles it. This basic design is no exception for chronographs, and the classic "Sportstar 40 Chronograph - Black & Red" is one such piece that inherits this unique aesthetic.

That said, the dial design might be the first thing to capture your eye. After all, the black dial is filled with vivid red Kanji characters. This is a design choice where the indexes are represented by the Chinese zodiac. This homage to the past, when Chinese emperors favored BOVET pocket watches and they were popular in the Chinese market, also features the Kanji brand logo "威播" (read as BOVET from right to left) that was actually used in the Chinese market in the 19th century. The black calfskin strap is rubber-coated on the inside for a better fit and features red stitching, creating perfect harmony with the dial's color scheme. Furthermore, the layout with the reset button at 1 o'clock and the start/stop button at 11 o'clock is a direct arrangement from past pocket chronographs, another element that appeals to collectors.

It's not just the outstanding design; the "Cal.13BA01" movement visible through the see-through case back boasts chronometer-certified high precision and even includes a big date display (date shown by two combined discs) at 12 o'clock, making it irresistible. If you're looking for a chronograph that's truly unique and backed by solid performance, this model is the one.

Automatic winding. 28,800 vibrations per hour. 42-hour power reserve. Case diameter 40.0mm. Case thickness 14.66mm. Stainless steel case. Calfskin strap. 100m water resistance. ¥1,365,000.



BRAND HISTORY

Founded in the early 19th century by watchmaker Édouard Bovet, this is a prestigious Swiss maison with a rich heritage. From the era when pocket watches reigned supreme, they showcased exceptional enamel decoration techniques and lavish use of precious stones, earning a gold medal at the 1855 Paris Universal Exposition. They captivated a select elite. Their popularity in China was particularly immense, to the point where the brand name "BOVET" itself became a synonym for watches.

Even into the 20th century, BOVET watches continued to be favored by royalty across various countries with their ornate creations featuring full-flamed engraving. In terms of mechanics, they actively pursued the creation of complications, successively releasing complex timepieces such as tourbillons, minute repeaters, and perpetual calendars.

In 2005, they unveiled the first model to pass the new Swiss quality standard "Qualité Fleurier," and around 2008, they were slated to open their own watchmaking facility, "Dimier 1738." Expectations continue to rise for BOVET's timepieces, which combine splendid design with intricate and sophisticated mechanisms.

Founded: 1822
Place of Founding: Fleurier, Switzerland
Main Series: Fleurier, Sportstar
Contact: BOVET Japan 03-5472-1822
Official Website: http://www.bovet.com/