This Papillon mechanism, a metaphor inspired by the flight of the butterfly, is unique in the world of Haute Horlogerie and bears two independent, retractable, diamond-shaped hands on a supporting disc. Each one alternately sweeps over a graduated minutes scale spread over a 180-degree half circle. The minutes are successively indicated by each of the two hands.
The first is positioned on the segment and thus signals the progression of the minutes, while the second one remains ‘off-duty’ in retracted position and thus invisible throughout the rotation of the disc bearing them.
When the first hand reaches the 55th minute on the display segment, the other hand progressively completes a quarter turn to move into a position parallel to the first one on the 00 minutes marker. The first hand then moves into its retracted position for the following 55 minutes.
The Bulgari Papillon Heure Sautante watch displays the jumping hour, indicates the minutes via the “Papillon” device, and shows the seconds by the central hand.
The entire mechanism is powered by a mechanical self-winding Manufacture movement, Calibre BVL 252, entirely designed and assembled in the Bulgari Manufacture. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has a 42-hour power reserve. This movement is decorated with circular graining and Côtes de Genève.
A brown alligator leather strap with 18ct pink gold pin buckle or a black alligator leather strap, with 18ct white gold pin buckle completes this elegant timepiece.
