Round-UpA Roman Romance: 10 Beguiling Bulgari Watches

Founded by Sotirio Bulgari, a traditional Greek silversmith and entrepreneur, who moved to Rome, Bulgari is undoubtedly one of the finest jewellery brands in the world today. One of the quintessential characteristics that separated Bulgari’s ornaments from other luxury labels in the past was its inclusion of deep and rich colours. This brand not only used rare and precious stones but also semi-precious stones, and this made their pieces somewhat eccentric and altogether unique. Fast-forward to a century later, and Bulgari had become a staple among Hollywood icons including Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor, to name a few. That is not to say that it was a predominantly feminine brand. Renowned American artist Andy Warhol considered jewellery by Bulgari to be a quintessential representation of modern-day art.

Bulgari first assembled a sophisticated timepiece bejewelled with triangle-cut diamonds all the way back in 1918, but it was merely exploring the burgeoning Art-Deco movement back then. This style, which first appeared right after World War I, soon became synonymous with glamour and luxury. Beyond Art Deco, Bulgari can also not be disassociated with Graeco-Roman classicism or the Italian Renaissance, especially when it comes to its timepieces. One of the best examples of this is its popular Serpenti collection, as the serpent is mythologised in both Greek and Roman traditions, which came out all the way back in the 1940s. Over the years, this watch brand has created impeccable collections that have truly captivated watch connoisseurs around the world. Even when it comes to watchmaking, they have excelled in the craft and with accuracy, particularly in the realm of micro-mechanics, as they presently hold seven world records in slimness. Here are the top ten Bulgari timepieces that reflect all ends of their extremely diverse spectrum.

Bulgari watches for men

Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT

First unveiled at the 2019 edition of Baselworld, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT holds the record for being the thinnest mechanical chronograph ever made, with a movement thickness of 3.3mm, and a total case thickness of a baffling 8.75mm. That watch was in titanium—the signature metal of the Octo Finissimo collection, especially the debuts of the record-breaking pieces. This version of the Chronograph GMT is in steel—the most popular material in watches. The chiselled details of the instantly identifiable Octo Finssimo case and integrated bracelet are retained in steel as well. With the dial in blue, the small seconds, 30-minute chronograph counter, and 24-hour GMT sub-dial—at nine, six and three o’clock, respectively—are in white. Running the show is the BVL318 calibre, which runs at 28,800vph and can store a power reserve of 55 hours. This automatic movement is wound by a peripherally-mounted oscillating mass, which you can see through the caseback. The case is water-resistant to 100m.

BVLGARI Octo

₹16,65,000

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Bulgari Bulgari

With the Bulgari logo engraved twice on the thick bronze bezel, this iconic timepiece came to the fore around the late 70s. This watch took its inspiration from antiquated Roman coins, which had the emperor’s image at the centre, flanked by inscriptions. It has a lacquered black dial, with bronze baton markers and two Arabic numerals at the six and twelve o’clock positions in the same tone. The small date aperture at the three o’clock position does not take away from the simple design. Its hour, minute and seconds hands are also in bronze. Sporting a fine brown leather strap, this watch exudes sophisticated minimalism, which is the real allure of Bulgari watches. With a diameter of 41mm—not too snug or too large—this timepiece will look perfect on any man’s wrist. This gorgeous automatic watch is made with the in-house calibre BVL 191, which can be seen clearly through the transparent caseback. Boasting a sapphire crystal glass, and a resistance to water up to 50m, this Bulgari watch will be an elegant round timepiece to add to your collection.

Diagono

When it comes to diver’s watches, their design is usually brawny and bulky. This 41mm automatic wristwatch, however, is an exception to the norm. With Arabic numerals at twelve and six o’clock, rounded markers covering the rest of the dial and a date window at three o’clock, the design is quintessentially luxurious. Its hands have a luminescent coating on their tips, which is also present on the hour markers and numerals, making it incredibly easy for you to read the time in the darkest of depths. Its rose gold bezel matches the rose gold of its hands, crown, steel bracelet, and accents present around the markers. Equipped with tough sapphire crystal glass, the watch can resist water up to 300m. Though it comes with a hefty price tag, the watch’s superior quality and premium design certainly make it worth it.

Octo Finissimo

This complicated design by Bulgari is inspired by the octagonal ceiling coffers present at the ancient Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, Italy. Highly contemporary in its design, with a 40mm skeletonised structure, this automatic timepiece is powered by the BVL 128 calibre. The power reserve (lasting 60 hours) is indicated on the sub-dial towards the nine o’clock position; there is another sub-dial below for seconds, bordering the seven and eight o’clock positions. The hands of the watch as well as the sub-dials are in a rose gold hue, and they are perfectly legible against the black dial. Even though the watch sports a black titanium case and strap, it is incredibly lightweight. The dial has a robust sapphire crystal glass. Even though the Octo Finissimo has a thickness of only 5mm, it is an exceedingly sturdy wristwatch.

Octo Roma

Comprising a simpler anthracite dial with two Arabic numerals, and long hour indexes flanked by small minute markers in silver, this 41mm automatic watch comes with a BVL 191 calibre. With a vibration frequency of 28,800vph and a 42-hour power reserve, the watch is encased in stainless steel and the dial is protected by sapphire crystal glass. The faceted case of the Octo Roma has a fine finish and comes with a thick alligator strap in black, giving it an aura of sophistication. The wristwatch is also water resistant up to 50m of depth.

Bulgari watches for women

Serpenti Seduttori

The Serpenti is undoubtedly the most emblematic collection of Bulgari’s. It’s been around for decades, and jewellery from the collection has been worn by the likes of icons such as Elizabeth Taylor. The enigmatic and mystical serpent continues to inspire this collection, including the wide range of watches, from the haute joaillerie pieces and the distinctive Tubogas series, to the more understated iterations. This here is the Seduttori, which was unveiled at Baselworld 2019. For the first time, the brand released the Serpenti with a conventional metallic bracelet with a clasp, and they did it with tremendous flair. Even a version with an ‘ordinary’ bracelet was elevated by infusing the serpentine inspiration even into that element, with its hexagonal links reflecting a snakeskin pattern. Moreover, the oval case was also redesigned as flat—as opposed to the curved structure of the Tubogas editions, which worked better for wraparound wearing. This flat case has a minimalistic charm, and even sits better on the wrist with a flat bracelet. The Serpenti Seddutori comes with a cabochon-cut pink rubellite on the crown that connects with the accurate Swiss quartz movement within the case that is sized at 33mm, and is water-resistant to 50m. It comes in two-tone versions, in steel and 18-karat rose gold, as well as in all-steel and all-gold versions, and with or without diamonds.

Bvlgari Serpenti SHOP THE COLLECTION

Bulgari Bulgari

From the Bulgari Bulgari collection, known for its flat bezel, with the double emblem on it, this here is a ladies’ edition in 33mm steel. The minimalistic mother-of-pearl dial features elegant hands and 12 diamond hour markers. Its three-hand timekeeping runs on an automatic movement, while the case comes fitted with a bracelet that almost looks integrated. What definitely looks integrated though is the colour scheme, with an overall silvery look, across visual textures. Breaking the mono-tone appearance is the pink cabochon-cut stone set into the time-setting crown. This timepiece definitely spells minimal elegance, while also being distinctively Bulgari.

BVLGARI BVLGARI

₹5,44,000

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Diva’s Dream

The centrepiece of this watch, literally even, is definitely the dial, made from lapis lazuli, a semi-precious stone, which lends the dial a very unique kind of speckled appearance, in an almost cobalt blue that you don’t often see in watches. The use of the stone is not just for aesthetic purposes though. It is also meant to capture the ‘the vivid shades and the sensual curves of Rome’s ancient mosaics at the Caracalla Baths’, according to the brand. Enhancing the stone dial’s look are the diamond-studded hour markers and the faceted hands that match the 30mm 18-karat rose gold of the case, featuring the signature fan-shaped singular lugs of the Diva’s Dream range. While the bezel and lugs feature rows of diamonds, the crown is set with a cabochon-cut pink tourmaline, and connects with an accurate Swiss quartz movement within the case, which is water-resistant to 30m. The finishing touch is the blue alligator leather strap in a hue that perfectly complements the lapis lazuli.

The centrepiece of this watch is definitely the dial, made from lapis lazuli, which lends the dial a very unique kind of appearance, in an almost cobalt blue, quite rarely seen in watches

Enhancing the stone dial’s look are the diamond-studded hour markers and the faceted hands matching the case, that features the signature fan-shaped singular lugs of Diva’s Dream

BVLGARI Divas' Dream

₹21,29,000

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Lvcea Date

Inspired by the hometown of Bulgari, the Lvcea collection is a representation of Rome’s symmetry and balance, and of its pure lines seen in its architecture. Despite the geometry of these details, like Rome, this watch is not without resplendence. And it’s not just the diamond hour markers—totalling 0.19 carat—or the faceted hands that do the trick. Even the layers of the stepped singular lugs, of the crown, and of the smooth, convex bezel present certain nuance that makes this watch very pleasing to look at. The steel case is also beautifully offset by the intense black of the glossy lacquered dial and black strap, while a cabochon-cut stone on the crown adds a dash of colour to the largely black-and-white look of the watch. The three-hand timekeeping and date at three o’clock run on an automatic movement that offers a standard power reserve of 42 hours. You can see it through the exhibition back of the case, which is water-resistant to 30m.

Inspired by the hometown of Bulgari, the Lvcea collection is a representation of Rome’s symmetry and balance, and of its pure lines seen in its architecture

The layers of the stepped singular lugs, of the crown, and of the smooth, convex bezel present certain nuance that makes this watch very pleasing to look at

BVLGARI Lvcea

₹4,76,000

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Serpenti Double Spiral, Leather

While the spiral bracelets in the famed Serpenti collection come in stainless steel, this quartz timepiece comes with a red leather bracelet. With a 27mm case, this watch may seem diminutive, but the bright and bold colour sets it apart. The stainless steel case makes the red dial appear even brighter, and the bezel is bejewelled with diamonds. Perfectly paired with the lacquered dial is the red leather strap as well as the rubellite cabochon on the crown. This timepiece also has a water resistance of up to 50m.

Assembling the most elegant timepieces influenced by both the ancient and modern worlds has always been Bulgari’s mainstay. Their unique designs set them apart from other luxury labels. However, beyond their watches’ incredible appeal, Bulgari is also one of the finest watchmakers out there, perfectly melding design with mechanical prowess.