Bovet Aperto 1

The new Bovet APERTO 1 is a narrative woven with the threads of innovation, craftsmanship, and the indelible spirit of collaboration. In the first chapter of our in-depth look at this horological marvel, we set the stage by exploring the storied pasts of BOVET and Pininfarina, the ethos behind their partnership, and a glimpse at the aesthetic and functional prowess of the APERTO 1.

BOVET, a name that resonates with the rich tapestry of watchmaking, has been a beacon of masterful craftsmanship for over two centuries. Established in 1822, BOVET pioneered the pocket watch's transition to the wrist, merging practicality with decorative arts. The house's timepieces are akin to miniature museums, each detail a testament to the artisan's touch. Through wars, revolutions, and the relentless march of technology, BOVET has remained steadfast, guarding the flame of tradition while embracing the winds of change.



Across the spectrum of design, few names command as much respect as Pininfarina. With a portfolio that stretches from the sleek lines of luxury sports cars to the aerodynamic contours of private jets, Pininfarina's signature is one of dynamic innovation. Founded in 1930, the Italian design house has become synonymous with a forward-thinking approach that marries form and function in harmony.

In 2010, a historic meeting between Pascal Raffy, the guardian of BOVET's legacy, and Paolo Pininfarina, the visionary chairman of his family's firm, sparked a partnership that would redefine the boundaries of watchmaking. The shared passion for unrivaled aesthetics and mechanical precision became the foundation for a series of timepieces that exemplify the pinnacle of their respective crafts.



The APERTO 1 is not merely a watch; it's a statement. The name, translating to 'Open' from Italian, speaks of transparency and a willingness to reveal the heart of its mechanical prowess. This timepiece challenges the conventions of skeletonization, transforming the intricacy of exposed gears into a robust showcase of contemporary engineering.

The easy-to-exchange strap system, exclusive to the APERTO 1, reflects a keen understanding of a collector's desire for both elegance and practicality. This innovation allows the wearer to adapt the timepiece to different settings and styles with unprecedented ease, reflecting the dynamic lifestyles of its intended audience.

Examining the APERTO 1 through the lens of a collector, one can't help but be drawn to the meticulous open-worked dial that lays bare the intricate dance of time. The grade 5 titanium case, a choice material for its strength and lightness, is artfully sandblasted to a matte finish, exuding a modern industrial charm while maintaining a svelte profile on the wrist.

The signature of Pininfarina is evident in every curve and contour, each element reflecting a heritage of design that has graced everything from legendary automobiles to avant-garde architecture. It's a timepiece that doesn't just sit on the wrist; it engages with the wearer, inviting them into a world where precision is the language and innovation is the currency.



At the core of the APERTO 1 beats the Caliber 15BMPF09-OW, a hand-wound movement that is both a powerhouse and a masterpiece. With 219 components and 38 jewels, it operates at a frequency of 18,000 vph/2.5hz, promising a 7-day power reserve. It's a testament to BOVET's commitment to high watchmaking, ensuring that the function is as remarkable as the form.

The essence of any watch is its movement, and the Caliber 15BMPF09-OW is the heart that gives life to the APERTO 1. It's a high watchmaking hand-wound movement that defies the status quo with its 219 meticulously assembled components. Encased within the skeletonized heart are 38 jewels that ensure smooth operation, their placements a result of centuries of watchmaking expertise.

The movement oscillates at 18,000 vibrations per hour, a frequency that ensures precision without sacrificing the longevity of the mechanism. The 7-day power reserve is an assurance of endurance, suggesting a reliability that transcends the daily wind. A watch is a companion through the days, and the APERTO 1 promises to be a steadfast one.

The APERTO 1's design is a bold declaration of modernity. It doesn't just allow a glimpse into its inner workings; it celebrates them. The open-worked dial is a canvas where every gear, spring, and screw is part of a deliberate composition. The absence of a traditional dial means that the time floats on the architecture of the movement, a daring choice that blurs the line between the functional and the aesthetic.

Crafted from sandblasted grade 5 titanium, the case of the APERTO 1 is a marvel of material science. Titanium, renowned for its strength-to-weight ratio, provides a light yet robust enclosure for the delicate inner workings. The sandblasted matte finish lends a contemporary touch, ensuring that the case doesn't compete with the movement for attention but rather complements it.



The watch comes equipped with an innovative strap exchange system, a feature that aligns perfectly with the contemporary demands for versatility. The rubber straps, drawing inspiration from the Amadeo system, can be switched out effortlessly, offering the wearer the ability to adapt the timepiece to a variety of contexts. Whether it's a casual gathering or a formal event, the APERTO 1 can dress for the occasion.

With a water resistance of 30 meters, the APERTO 1 is not intended for deep-sea exploration. However, this feature provides a reassuring buffer against the everyday encounters with water that a wearer might face. It's a practical consideration that underscores the watch's design – it's built to be worn, not just admired.

The APERTO 1 is a product of a decade-long collaboration between BOVET and Pininfarina. The shared values of innovation and artistry are evident in every aspect of the timepiece. It's a partnership that goes beyond mere co-branding; it's a fusion of philosophies that gives birth to something greater than the sum of its parts.



The APERTO 1 is not just a watch; it's an experience, an interaction. It's an invitation to not just tell time but to engage with it. The tactile pleasure of the rubber strap, the visual feast of the skeletonized movement, and the audible tick of the hand-wound caliber come together to create a multisensory appreciation of the moment.

The BOVET APERTO 1 is a landmark in the horological landscape. It defies convention, embraces the future, and honors the past. It's a watch that acknowledges the roots of traditional watchmaking while reaching forward to grasp the potential of the future. It is not just a keeper of time but a marker of progress, a reflection of the wearer's appreciation for the art of the watchmaker and the vision of the designer.