To the right of the seconds counter is the off-center dial for the hours and minutes. Against a black dial it is simple and legible with Arabic numerals and lume for darkness viewing. The dial for the time is available both with a black lacquered face as well as a white one. The dial is pleasantly classic and actually incredibly simple for Bovet standards. Though given its smaller sizes this helps legibility quite a bit.

Above the hour and minute dial is a power reserve dial. The Virtuoso II is a manually wound movement, but one of the good ones. That is because it not only has a power reserve indicator, but a power reserve of seven days. That week’s worth of power reserve is based on the movement operating at a frequency of 21,600 bph. Given the overall simplicity I would say that the movement as well as the Recital 12 overall have a nice mix of features and aesthetic design choices.

At 42mm wide the Recital 12 actually is small given most other Recital pieces, but it wears nicely on the wrist and is very comfortable given the shape of the case as well as the relatively thin profile of the case. The highly polished gold case certainly has a high-end feel to it, while Bovet offers the Recital 12 both in 18k white or rose gold. There is also an option to outfit it with a fully baguette-diamond studded bezel (it is a Bovet after all).

I was quite happy with the Bovet Recital 12 actually as a dress watch. It incorporates elements of an elegant watch as a view into the movement for lovers of horological mechanics. It is also undoubtedly a Bovet in style and composure. At this price range there is a lot of competition, but few watches can quite match the rich personality that the Bovet brand has built around it. The Bovet Recital 12 watch will be limited to 150 pieces per gold color and is priced at $43,700 (without diamonds). bovet.com