Ladies fired enamel miniature painting by Ilgiz F.

Ilgiz Fazulzyanov is a Russian jeweler, born in 1968, who established his credentials in the arts by mastering stained-glass techniques and silk painting, before turning his hand to the various Grand Feu enameling techniques that he employs in his own jewelry collections. His imagination, taste and technical virtuosity have already won him numerous accolades and established him as one of the greatest Grand Feu enamellists of all time. His prestige is such that the Kremlin recently invited him to install a permanent exhibition there.

At the dawn of the 19th century, Edouard Bovet took the decorative arts – and miniature enameling in particular – to new heights, establishing the pedigree of Swiss watchmaking in the process. In accordance with the conventions of the time, he employed the best watchmakers in the Val-de-Travers and entrusted the case decoration to the enamellers whose workshops were located next to Geneva’s hydraulic plants. The greatest artists of this golden age continue to contribute today to the reputation of BOVET 1822 timepieces.

Today, Pascal Raffy, the owner of BOVET 1822 and the Dimier 1738 Manufactures, is once again asserting his desire to safeguard and perpetuate the traditional decorative arts of watchmaking consistent with the noblest expression of time. He has naturally insisted on employing the same working methods, the same techniques and the same rigor as his illustrious predecessors in this new collection, which has undeniably redefined the very concept of excellence. This feat is all the more impressive given that today’s timepieces diameters are smaller than those of 19th century pocket watches.

The dials that Ilgiz F is creating exclusively for BOVET 1822 illustrate every Grand Feu enameling and gem-setting technique. Each year, twelve dials are manufactured and divided between two collections: the Amadeo Fleurier 39 mm range for women, and the Amadeo Fleurier 43 mm range for men. For 2015, the first Ladies’ Collection features a nature theme while the Men’s Collection is inspired by The Rider of the Apocalypse.