Independents

After finishing my MBA at Duke Fuqua, I finally pulled the trigger on something I’ve admired for a long time: a Bovet 19Thirty.

This is my first independent watch purchase, which makes it feel even more special. I bought it used, though honestly I could not care less because I love this watch so much 😂

What really drew me to Bovet was how unapologetically detailed and flamboyant the brand is. Even their “entry level” pieces feel theatrical in the best way possible. The hand engraving, oversized crown, lacquered guilloché dial, and movement finishing all feel so distinctly Bovet. There’s nothing minimalist or restrained about it, which is exactly why I love it.

This particular watch is number 8 out of only 60 pieces, and the deep red color somehow makes it feel even more auspicious for a graduation milestone ❤️

The movement side especially blows me away every time I flip it over. You can tell this brand genuinely cares about artistry rather than just specifications. It feels closer to wearable art than a normal luxury watch.

I’ve been enjoying every second with it so far, although I’ll admit I’m still slightly terrified to wear it out anywhere 😅

Hopefully this is not my last independent watch purchase, but it’s definitely one I’ll remember forever. Huge milestone personally, as well as a reminder of how much I admire independent watchmaking.

Also yes… pairing it with my Fuqua diploma felt necessary 😂

And apologies in advance for the awful photography… this watch looks even better in person.

I see 1916 company doing this so am doing it too lol




Symmetry!!

What an accomplishment to graduate that school.  You have made a wonderful acquisition with the Bovet, and the special meaning as for why will make this one a legend in your collection.  Enjoy it in the best of health!

And funny enough, the “8 out of 60” ended up carrying extra meaning too because 8 is considered lucky in Chinese culture, as well as red being an auspicious color. I spent a huge part of my childhood growing up across Singapore, Taiwan, and mainland China, so that combination somehow made the watch feel even more fitting for this moment.

It looks splendid 👏😎👍🥂

and on this acquisition!

Thank you Emmanuel! Honestly “wonderfully flamboyant” may be the most accurate description of a Bovet possible 😂 That unapologetic artistry is exactly what drew me to the brand.

Haha thank you! I think the watch may currently have more confidence than I do, though hopefully I’ll catch up eventually 😂

Nice to commemorate this special accomplishment 🍻 

Thank you! I really wanted something memorable and slightly eccentric to mark the occasion, which made Bovet feel perfect 🍻

I’m really happy you mentioned the side view because that case profile was honestly one of the biggest selling points for me. Bovet cases just feel so sculptural, the undulations and curves are so cool!

One of the things I admire most about Bovet is how unafraid they are to embrace drama and artistry. It feels very different from most modern brands.

Lovely!

Haha thank you Markus! And yes… the plastic is definitely temporary 😂 I think I’m still in the nervous “new owner” phase. And the left side is actually just negative space, which I weirdly love because it makes the whole dial feel even more asymmetrical and theatrical.

The watches are obviously secondary to that, but now that you have gotten it out of the way….

Really appreciate such a thoughtful comment, Jay. Honestly the rarity and individuality were huge parts of the appeal for me. I love watches that feel personal and slightly eccentric rather than something you see everywhere.
And I think you may honestly be right about the strap. Part of me loves how outrageously red it is, though another part of me wonders if a darker strap would let the dial stand out even more.
Also now I’m very curious about your upcoming piece 👀 The engraving and subdial similarities already sound fantastic.