As the art of watchmaking continues to evolve and members of the Haute Horlogerie strive to surpass themselves in design and function, it may appear to the average eye that their evolution is nothing more than a build up on existing norms and the timepieces they offer do not differ greatly from one other.
Enter Bvlgari’s High-End Watch 2020 Novelties to completely destroy this belief and redefine tradition.
When it comes to creative designs that stand out, Bvlgari undoubtedly takes the lead. Now, it is bringing its knowledge of exquisite jewellery making into the world of watches. The Bulgari High-End Watch 2020 Novelties are clear examples of the fact that “high-jewellery” and “high-watchmaking” artisans can work in tandem to create pure magic for the wrist. All of these timepieces are true works of art from the Roman Jeweller of Time.
The Octo Roma Arabesque ref. 103403
This gorgeous museum piece of a watch that takes the form of the Arabesque is reminiscent of the Baroque era, the same era that Bvlgari’s Barocko high-end jewellery took inspiration from. Its 40mm 18k pink gold case is adorned with a baroque embroidery of pink sapphires, tourmalines, emeralds and diamonds.
Powered by the calibre BVL 268 — the thinnest tourbillon on the market — the insides of the watch are no less impressive than its externals and it creates an interesting juxtaposition of minimalism and maximalism that can only be achieved with a high degree of technical expertise — all of which can easily slide under a shirt cuff.
The Lady Arabesque Secret Watch ref. 103375
The beautiful Lady Arabesque Secret Watch is a more feminine approach to the arabesque concept. Instead of a secret watch hidden under a cover, the dial in this timepeice is blended into the arabesque pattern in the middle (slightly off-centre) of the bracelet-style watch.
Crafted in pink gold with a single round rubellite measuring just under 12 carats, the Lady Arabesque Secret Watch is adorned with nearly 30 carats of pink sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines, emeralds, and some 13 carats of variously cut and pavé-set diamonds.
The Serpenti Misteriosi Baroque Pearls Secret Watch ref. 103374
Adorned with emeralds, Akoya pearls and diamonds, the Serpenti Misteriosi Baroque Pearls Secret Watch embraces the ‘Perla Scarammaza’ popular during the Baroque era. Only technical experts at the House of Bvlgari can tame this irregular natural pearl, which is all the more spectacular due to its uniqueness and imperfect shape. It is an incredible feat of artistry and watchmaking, whose creation required 2300 hours (almost 96 days) to complete. According to Bvlgari, the diamond pavé swirls channel the Baroque inspiration, as do more than 220 pearls that embellish the incredibly supple bracelet.
Chosen and matched for consistent colour and size, the pearls alternate with diamond-set rings to demarcate the piece and align with the iconic Serpenti aesthetic. A rare cabochon-cut emerald of more than 12 carats hides the snow-set diamond dial.
The Serpenti Misteriosi Intrecciati Sapphires ref. 103344
This timepiece is the latest entry in the Serpenti Misteriosi Intrecciati lineup. First launched in 2019, the designs were inspired by High Jewellery pieces found within the Maison’s archives. Featuring a distinctive and original Bvlgari design, it combines a double-headed snake with a beaded bracelet, creating a comfortable yet luxurious design that wraps around the wrist beautifully.
The beads work together to perfectly drive home the serpent aesthetic and simulate its fluid movement on the wrist. Crafted in 18k rose gold, the watch features two linked Serpenti snakeheads, one of which houses the watch dial and mechanism inside its mouth. Set on a bracelet made with 426 sapphire beads totalling more than 100 carats, the new Serpenti model is embellished with sapphires and diamonds of various shapes.
The Octo Roma Tourbillon Sapphire Malachite ref. 103231
The Octo Roma Tourbillon Sapphire Malachite blends some of the best jewellery and horology craftsmanship in the world. This 44mm timepiece sits in a platinum case set with baguette-cut diamonds. Its middle case, which rests just underneath the platinum case is fashioned in malachite, providing a satin yet glossy green aesthetic only the coveted green stone can provide. It is powered by the in-house BVL 206 calibre made of 18k white gold with manual winding and a flying tourbillon on full display via its skeletonised aesthetic.
To make the skeleton design more visible to the wearer, the indexes are decorated with malachite — matching its green hours and minutes hands. The crown matches the movement material and is also fabricated in 18k white gold. Adding more green into the mix, the strap is made of green alligator leather with an 18k white gold folding clasp set with baguette-cut diamonds. Typically, Bulgari reserves its stone-based creations for its women’s designs, but it has done a superb job of reminding the world why malachite was known as “the stone of kings”. This is a limited edition of just 30 pieces.
Source: Time and Tide Watches