Following the launch of the uber, multi-function world time last year, Bovet Fleurier continues its exploration of time zones with the Récital 30, a simpler, everyday-wear evolution on its complex predecessor.

Initial thoughts

The Récital 30 is more accessible both in terms of function and price, and more restrained in terms of design; overall it’s a more wearable version of the full-fledged original. The new world time caters to a different customer from last year’s Récital 28, the client who doesn’t necessarily care for lavish decorations or extreme complexity, but seeks a forward-thinking, wearable world time with some unique functionality.

While the accessibility of this should be applauded – it costs almost one-tenth the Recital 28 – this does leave the impression of a watered-down creation. There is almost no lavish movement decoration visible, instead the dial fully covers the face. And the calibre only incorporates one complication, admittedly one executed in a complex manner.

World time indication

At its core, the Récital 30 is built on the same principles that underpin its pricier bigger brother, namely the clever roller world time system. This ingenious mechanical solution allows seamless adjustments across 25 distinct time zones, including GMT+5:30 for New Delhi, India, which is offset by an inconvenient 30 minutes.

The beauty of the system is its calibration for four distinct annual periods: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), American Summer Time (AST), European and American Summer Time (EAS), and European Winter Time (EWT).

Since not all countries rely on the same summer or winter time practices, it is useful for a world timer to keep track of the inconsistencies. Thus, the system elegantly addresses the perennial challenge of daylight savings time (DST), a long-standing hurdle in traditional world time watches.

The dial is dominated by its hallmark roller display, which is integrated into a sector-style dial. It comprises 24 city rollers (all synchronised by a large crown wheel), a dedicated time period roller, and a central 24-hour world-time ring indicator.

Significantly, Bovet has paid special attention to India’s unusual 30-minute offset timezone, which is marked by a bright yellow dash visible at nine o’clock.

The Récital 30 is offered in two distinctive editions: one aligns the main hands to UTC while highlighting New Delhi’s offset in a distinctive colour. The second variant, specifically designed for Indian collectors, centres the primary hands to New Delhi’s local time, with the rest of the world’s time zones set off by 30 minutes.

Additionally, custom versions of the Récital 30 are possible. Customisation remains a core part of Bovet’s philosophy and  collectors can personalise a Récital 30 in terms of dial colour, city names, and even interchangeable configurations should their timezone requirements evolve. This reflects the growing prevalence of personalisation in high-end watchmaking, much as is the case in the luxury car industry.

Classic styling

The Récital 30’s case is much more appropriately sized compared to the gargantuan Récital 28. Measuring an adequate 42 mm by 12.9 mm, the case is available in either red gold or titanium, produced in-house at Bovet’s Tramelan facility. 

The case has a lip-like bezel, with sculpted lugs and case band and two pushers for adjusting the complication. The faceted blue cabochon on the crown is a nice touch. Overall, the watch is also a well done homage of vintage dress pieces, with the sector-like dial, heavily domed sapphire crystal and the cabochon on the crown. 

Hidden movement?

There is also an exhibition case back, which is perhaps the most curious aspect of the watch.  The cal. R30-70-001 is completely concealed by a full disc rotor, which hides the entire movement. The winding mass is hand decorated, but the choice of a full rotor odd, given Bovet’s usually inclination towards highly finished calibers that are usually visible from both the front and back.

This self-winding movement, composed of 373 components and vibrating at 4 Hz, delivers a robust 62-hour power reserve (in contrast, the Récital 28 has a 10 day power reserve but works with a slower, 2.5 Hz oscillator).

The layered build of the raised and complex “sector dial” with active city rollers.

Whereas last year’s Récital 28 was limited to 60 pieces due to its complexity – the calibre also included a perpetual calendar and double flying tourbillon – with just six made each year, the Récital 30 will be produced on a larger scale in comparison, though still small in absolute terms. Just 30 pieces in 18k red gold will be made in 2025, with additional production of versions in titanium.

Key Facts and Prices

Bovet Récital 30

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 12.9 mm
Material: Titanium, or 18k red gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: R30-70-001
Functions: Hours, minutes, world time with cites on rollers and DST function
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 62 hours

Strap: Rubber

Limited edition: No, but only 30 in red gold in 2025
Availability: Only at Bovet retailers and boutiques
Price: CHF68,000 in titanium; CHF96,800 in 18k red gold (prices exclude taxes)

For more information, visit Bovet.com.