There are two things I really like about Bulgari. The first being that I’m not entirely sure how to spell their brand’s name. Bulgari? Bvlgari? Both? A secret third option? At any rate, I find it a bit chic to have a bit of runic ambiguity in a modern-day brand.
The second thing I enjoy is their commitment to glamour. In today’s fashion and jewelry market, there is an inundation of simplistic, minimalistic styles. Personally speaking, I’m quite fond of dressing like I live in the Nordics, but a bit of eye candy every now and then never hurt anyone. That is to say, I’m quite pleased to share the release of two new watches, which will be presented in Milan during LVMH Watch Week, beginning today. Let me introduce you to: Maglia Milanese Monete and Tubogas Manchette.
First up, the Maglia Milanese Monete revisits Bulgari’s Monete concept from the mid-1960s, centered around an authentic Roman coin from the reign of Emperor Caracalla. It is paired with a rose gold Milanese mesh bracelet, marking the brand’s first use of the technique and giving the watch a more fluid look on the wrist, nodding more to Bulgari’s jewelry-making history. The dial itself is concealed beneath the coin, while the watch is powered by Bulgari’s Piccolissimo BVP100. The manually wound movement measures just 13.5mm in diameter and 2.5mm thick, and offers a 30-hour power reserve, which can be viewed through the sapphire caseback.
Next, the Tubogas Manchette takes its cues from a 1970s design, expanding the Tubogas construction into a wide, cuff-style bracelet executed in yellow gold. Nothing about this watch is minimalistic or subdued, which, when you’re showing at Milan for LVMH Watch Week, it’s go big or go home, baby. Diamonds and colored gemstones are set throughout the bracelet, with a square case integrated directly into the structure. Inside is the Lady Solotempo Automatic BVS100, a self-winding movement measuring 19mm in diameter and 3.9mm thick, with a 50-hour power reserve.
While the two watches are clearly distinct from one another and the wider watch landscape, they do still share a common thread. Each draws directly from Bulgari’s pride in its roots – both as a luxury fashion house and more broadly as a Roman brand – and folding that history into two opulent pieces.
Brvtt Brvley-Pvlko, reporting on behalf of Wvrn & Wovnd.
