fleurier

Bovet's entrant in to the Only Watch 2009 charity watch auction is truly a unique piece. Not only is there literally just one piece, but there is also a few interesting things that the watch does. The watch case is shaped like a small pocket watch. The dial itself is Tahitian mother of pearl with a rotating ring around the edge that displays the minutes, while the hours are showing in a jumping our window - very nice. The main dial displays a Mona Lisa replica painting done on mother of pearl as well. Realize that the dial was an extreme pain for Bovet to do. It took the artist over a month to accomplish. Mainly because replicating that iconic Mona Lisa smile is almost impossible especially in miniature.

The 42mm wide gold watch can be three things. First it can be a pocket watch when attached to the gold chain. You can remove the chain and attach it to the alligator strap and module to make it a wrist watch. Lastly there is a way to make it a little desk clock. Now you know why it is called the "Trilogy." The movement is a Swiss automatic which has an 22k gold rotor. The Bovet Trilogy is a unique one-off watch for Only Watch 2009. It is an imaginative and worthy addition to the auction, and hopefully will fetch a good price as this unique watch brand certainly deserves more attention. Fancy shmancy, and I oh, so want one.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Bovet really makes one of the classiest jumping hour watches out there with the Fleurier Jumping Hours Fleurisanne timepiece. The 42mm wide 18k rose or white gold watch uses the popular and attractive standard Bovet watch case style that always reminds me of a pocket watch meant to be worn on the wrist. The watch is also one of the most beautiful skeletonized watches, designed from the start to be displayed and decorated (with fleurisanne hand engraving). The automatic jumping hour movement is quite elegant in its operation. The central disc is used for the hours and the mechanism powering it is visible as well. The correct hour is shown in the aperture window. The minutes are displayed on a disc around the face with the indicator being at the 12 o'clock position. For night visibility, the numerals have applied Superluminova.

The top-mounted crown and lug ends have applied sapphire crystals which adds an additional and expected element of luxury to this antique-styled watch. You also have the option of diamonds instead of sapphire crystals if you so wish. The case sides are also engraved to match with the face. and a custom hand-stitched alligator strap completes one of the most unique luxury watches available today that combines functional and old-world styled charm. I think it is a fantastic timepiece that feels right, but certainly strays from the norm of most luxury watches out there today.

Ariel Adams publishes the popular watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Parmigiani Fleurier presents this new line of women's Kalparisma watches, including the Kalparisma Ouranos with the diamond constellation motif. The watches each share the same signature Parmigiani case which looks particularly flattering on one's wrist. The "Small Star" models use just that, a small spinning star as a subsidiary seconds display. Other models have a traditional second's hand, and each model has its only unique character. The watch line features a 37.5mm wide tonneau case in 18k gold (either rose or white) with a bracelet or well matched strap. Various levels of brilliant cut diamonds decorate the cases and dials, with handsome guilloche engraving on the watch faces themselves. Inside the watches are PF331.02 automatic mechanical movements.

I find the gold metal bracelets particularly fine looking, being technical and functional, but still attractive. The Kalparisma watch line has always been conservatively 'nice," but never wild looking. This helps maintain Parmigiani is a maker of consistently attractive, though sober looking luxury timepieces. Designs have been known to get more experimental for the men's pieces though, but predictability has been the mainstay for Parmigiani Fleurier. Expect the new Kalparisma line to be available soon.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.