With Bulgari, watchmaking and jewellery creativity play with time and space this. The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar – a record in ultra-thinness – extends the hours almost to infinity (at least until 2100 when there will be the next exceptional non-leap year). And since time is not in short supply, the minimalist Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando inspires a certain Japanese serenity in the face of life’s vagaries. In a luxurious world of gems, the mysterious Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra Cuff summons up ancient Egypt against a backdrop of eyes edged with kohl, in Elizabeth Taylor style. To end a hectic day, four new Divissima and Astrale timepieces just slip onto the wrist for a chic evening around the Mediterranean.
Infinite Finesse
When it comes to extra-flat watches, Bulgari is like a sprinter running in perfect stride. Since 2014, the manufacture has obtained seven world records – an ultra-thin manual movement, an automatic, a minute repeater, a tourbillon, a GMT chronograph, a skeletonized tourbillon chronograph, and now a perpetual calendar. 408 components come together in a 2.75 mm calibre and in a 5.8 mm case. Despite this minimal thickness, the model displays everything it needs, exactly where it needs to be. A retrograde date, day, month, and retrograde leap year. This perpetual calendar is available in sandblasted titanium with an integrated bracelet – a favourite of the brand – or in a platinum version on an alligator strap.
Conceptual time
When a Japanese architect with a passion for glass, cement, and light joins forces with the Italian watchmaker, the hours get all philosophical. A new creation for the third year of the collaboration, the dial of the Octo Finissimo Tadao Ando – engraved with a spiral on blue lacquer – speaks of the passing of time. At five o’clock, the golden crescent of the moon sparkles. In Japanese culture, the first phase of the moon (Mikazuki) symbolizes the transitory nature of time, hope, and future prosperity.
Diamonds never change
The Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra interprets Bulgari’s beloved snake in ancient Egyptian fashion and with a carat count worthy of a pyramid of treasure. The “scales” for this mysterious, supple rose gold cuff are represented by nine different types of gemstones, cut into hexagons. Amethysts and citrines, aquamarine, rubellite, chrome tourmaline, tanzanite and peridot come together for a total of 50 carats. Nearly 4,000 snow-set diamonds complete the bewitching reptile for a total of 470 hours of setting. A rubellite weighing nearly 10 carats conceals the snow-set diamond dial. Cleopatra – played at the time by Elizabeth Taylor, and photographed during the filming at Cinecittà with a Serpenti on her wrist – would have approved.
Cocktail time
What better way to celebrate the colours of life than with gems? Bulgari is inspired by the Golden Age of Rome with the reinterpretation of its Divissima and Astrale cocktail watches. The first, Diva’s Dream Divissima, recognizable by its fan motif, captures the pleasures of each day with two different variations. The first is entirely set with diamonds while the second is set with both emeralds and diamonds. Two precious Astrale pieces, created in joyful opulence, display diamonds along with faceted or cabochon-shaped gems. These chic and extrovert creations make the Dolce Vita come second nature.
