Of all the Chinese Zodiac signs, the dragon is perhaps the most revered – feared, yet respected, because the dragon has always been a force for good.
The golden or yellow dragon is central to Chinese mythology and symbolizes power, nobleness, honor, luck, and success in traditional Chinese culture. Some also believe this dragon can control time. No wonder then that Bovet dedicated its Recital 26 Chapter Two timepiece to the dragon. It’s the perfect timepiece, one offering time in all 24 time zones around the world.
Considered as China’s most important cultural icon, the Chinese dragon has not just magical powers, but is also much more benevolent than the fire-breathing monsters of Western culture. Wise and powerful, the dragon symbolizes courage, confidence, and adventurousness, while also being seen to represent success and ambition.
Crafting the Bovet Recital 26 Chapter Two Golden Dragon was no easy feat. Integrating the solid 18K gold dragon into the Recital 26 Chapter Two was a challenge as the placement of the dragon was limited to the available space between the complications — the Hour and Minute domed Dial, the World Time Hemispheric Dial with indexable city indicator, the Mother-of-Pearl Moon Phase, and, of course, the patented Bovet flying tourbillon.
First, the space the dragon could occupy was delineated, then a sculptor was commissioned to create the head and body of the solid gold dragon. Once the sculpture is cast, it then goes to the Bovet in-house hand-engravers to add the details – eyes, scales, claws, whiskers, and more – which takes between 40 and 50 hours. Then, the fiery-red ruby is set into the eye, and the complete sculpture is assembled within and around the movement.
The curvaceous, life-like dragon on this Bovet timepiece is a sight to cherish and remember for all time.
The caliber developed for the Brainstorm Chapter Two is manufactured in the Bovet workshops. Perfect for a multi-time zone timepiece, Bovet’s control of the energy guarantees five days of power reserve with only a single barrel, with a frequency of 21,600 v/h for spectacular chronometry.
A domed blue quartz dial displays the hours and minutes of local time in the upper part of the case. The dome located at 3 o’clock displays a second time zone specifically developed for this timepiece and patented by the House. The names of the cities representing the 24 time zones are printed on the dome which makes a complete revolution in 24 hours. A three-dimensional V-shaped hand allows the collector to select the displayed time zone. In addition to a second time zone, this new indication also offers the world time function, which allows the time in each of the 24 time zones to be read simultaneously.
In perfect symmetry, the Mother-of-Pearl moon phase is positioned at 9 o’clock, revealed through the Dragon’s coiled lower body, while the Dragon’s head and upper body rest on the flying tourbillon itself.
The Recital 26 Chapter Two Dragon can only be made in very limited quantities – at most one or two a month. So if you want one of these to symbolize your zodiac, then get in line.
