At first, he was a watch collector. He acquired Bovet in 2001 and his quest for perfection started... We had a pleasant chat with Pascal Raffy, the owner of Bovet, about his journey who managed to fascinate his enthusiasts with his every single timepiece that are all masterpieces in terms of superior craftsmanship and high quality.
Burak Bayram: Bovet is one of the brands that has proven itself in fine artisanship and traditional watchmaking. Moreover, you have elevated this success to an upper level in a very short time like 17-18 years. What were the challenges you faced in this period? How do you define the reasons behind your success?
Pascal Raffy: I think that the major challenge has always been to have a team of true human beings, who know what luxury is. Luxury watchmaking is defined by absolute density and substance. When you look at a Bovet timepiece, you will find that these two things like two hands to applause that are beautiful mechanics and the way you dress the timepiece, you have to be sensitive to that level of detail with good taste, reliability and by the same time to do that you need to have the education for that.
I think the education for that comes from the ability to understand that art is universal; quantity is not the essence only quality is the most important. Today here in Istanbul with my partner Mr.Eliaçık, we are going to share an event with another brand, which shares the same quest for perfection. I accepted to participate, as it is hosted by a brand that I use daily for the past 30 years. All these are possible thanks to our highly skilled artisans. We manufacture our cases, dials, hands, hairsprings. Again, the biggest challenge that I had during that journey was bringing those beautiful human beings together.
Burak Bayram: We know you were a watch collector before you acquired Bovet. What changed your perspective when you switched from a watch collector to a watch manufacturer?
Pascal Raffy: They are different worlds. When you see a timepiece at a store’s window, you see a dial, a case, a strap... Sometimes the shape of the hands talks to you. Attracts your attention. For such a small object you have a passion to learn new things every day and appreciate the way that timepiece has been manufactured. This is how a true collector feels about a watch. When you become the owner, that beautiful journey turns into a challenge where you dive into a movement, think, design and forward to the engineers.
Burak Bayram: In 2018, you received a Grand Prix award with the Recital 22 Grand Recital. How is the process of developing and manufacturing timepieces in this concept?
Pascal Raffy: The way that I design my timepieces is always very intuitive. I do not like the concept of a standard project as it alters the exquisite side of the timepiece. I am very sensitive to nature. Many of my timepieces are about my sensitivity to nature. Colors, flavors, sounds... My inspiration comes from nature. Also based on the history and patrimony of Bovet. You know the density of decorative arts in the 19th century like enameling, engraving, miniature painting, etc. Édouard Bovet has done all the decorative engravings on the movements back then. He has been the first one to do that. Therefore, we are always proud of our past, our tradition and our values.
Burak Bayram: Bovet’s designs and power are inspired by your imagination and desires. What are your goals for the future?
Pascal Raffy: To have the same concern for doing the best. To take our curiosity and challenges to an upper level. To get stronger in decorative arts. You see, the Grand Recital is much more modern than the Amedo but you still have a lot of density in decorations like the globe painted under a microscope, the moon engraved by hand. To keep our values for the next generations.
Burak Bayram: Thank you very much, Mr. Raffy. It has been a pleasure.
Pascal Raffy: Thank you. The pleasure is mine.
