By Adam Keith, Associate Timepiece Editor for ViaLuxe-

For exclusive Swiss luxury watch brand Bovet and its charismatic owner Pascal Raffy, creating artistic horological masterpieces is a matter of course.  To assist the philanthropic work of Only Watch 2009, an annual event which raises funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through the auction of exceptional timepieces, Bovet has created a unique timepiece which recreates in miniature the world's most famous painting--Leonardo Da Vinci's immortal Mona Lisa.

The Bovet Trilogy watch for Only Watch 2009 takes its title from the capabilities of the exceptional 42mm 18K rose gold case.  Featuring the classic pocket watch-styled case bow which has become a virtual signature of Bovet, this model may be worn as a wristwatch, a pocket watch, or displayed as a table clock.  This tripartite versatility can be attributed to an exclusive case design developed and patented by Bovet.  To frame the extraordinary dial and demonstrate the artisanal skills of its goldsmiths, Bovet presents a case with hand-carved Fleurisanne engraving on the flanks, the lugs, and the curved bow. Both winding crown and the outer hinge of the bow display the impeccably elegant touch of set blue sapphire cabochons.

To create the exacting miniature reproduction of Da Vinci's famously difficult to copy Mona Lisa--right down to the bewitching smile of La Gioconda--a Bovet master of miniature enamel painting invested more than a month of painstaking effort.  Throughout this daunting task of herculean concentration, the enamel painter works under a microscope with a carefully chosen palette of paints, applying the same with minuscule brushes composed of tiny segments of marten hair, the finest found in the animal kingdom.  The final irreplaceable masterwork stands out with crystalline clarity against an alluring opalescent background of black mother of pearl.  

The Bovet Trilogy "Mona Lisa" watch is supplied in a magnificent presentation case of burled hardwood. Contained inside is an alligator leather strap with an engraved rose gold folding clasp in addition to a rose gold chain and bow attachment, the latter allowing conversion of the Bovet Trilogy into a pocket watch.

The 2009 Only Watch event will take place in Monaco on September 24th.  Bovet's Trilogy watch, along with a variety of unique timepieces from other exceptional luxury manufacturers will be auctioned without a reserve price.  All funds generated from the auction will go to assist international research efforts devoted to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Click here to visit the Bovet website.