Bulgari is presenting three new references. The first flaunts its elegance devoid of any superfluous elements on a sunburst anthracite dial framed by a steel case. It is fitted with a black alligator leather strap secured by a steel pin buckle.
Octo Roma – steel case and alligator strap © Bulgari
The second heightens its presence by teaming the steel case with a matching articulated-link bracelet. The finishing details and the contrasts between the polished and satin-brushed elements instils luminous touches accentuated by its extremely luminous sunburst blue dial.
The jeweled components of every jewelry timepiece are crafted either at the Bulgari Jewelry manufacture in Valenza or at the High heeled Workshop in Rome, determined from the watch’s features and its own preciousness. If it comes to the jeweled pieces, the sort of production carried out is the conventional lost-wax casting method. Expert goldsmiths clean, assemble, and finish all of the metal elements, giving shape to the true watch, including bracelets (that we’ll discover in greater detail in an upcoming article dedicated to the Serpenti) and also stone-set cases.Special attention is paid to details, since it’s fundamental that each element perfectly interlocks with others, following the natural movement of the wrist, also that the clasps and configurations are expertly realized. Expertise and experience are necessary during the delicate phase of setting the stone, to make certain that every stone is securely anchored in position. The watch element itself is assembled in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, where the motion is encased and the final excellent control is carried out.Announced in December 2015 and place to be inaugurated by ancient 2017, Bulgari will open its expanded and fully integrated jewelry fabrication in Valenza, a province of Alessandria, Italy. Forming a bridge between innovation and tradition, the complex will include the Goldsmith’s Farmstead, initially constructed and used from the very first jewelers in the region in the early 19th century, as well as a completely fresh, three-story building, using a 600-square-meter yard for organic light and ventilation.All designed to be absolutely sustainable (and LEED certified), this brand new complex is going to be the biggest jewelry manufacture in Europe, providing over 700 craftsmen with distance to help make an ever greater quantity of Bulgari jewellery pieces, so as to cater to the ever growing market demand. The all-new Bulgari Academy, to be set here in Valenza, can assist the brand to further train workers and freshly hired craftsmen, perpetuating the crafts and skills required to produce such high jewelry creations in house.
Octo Roma – steel case and steel strap, blue dial © Bulgari
The third version, unsurprisingly for a Maison with jewellery-making origins, showcases gold, reinforced by the black touch typical of Italian contemporary design. Octo Roma is also available with a steel case featuring a pink gold bezel and winding-crown, while the two-tone bracelet combines gold and steel.
Octo Roma – Steel case with Pink gold bezel © Bulgari
Pleasing proportions and a high-performing calibre
The 58-facet case combining watchmaking’s typical round and square shapes is structurally complex yet aesthetically simple. The integrated lugs create a pleasingly taut overall design while contributing to the extremely pure overall aesthetic. The 41mm diameter is wide enough to make the dial with its applied hour-markers and openworked hands perfectly legible, while maintaining a distinct sense of moderation.
Watchmaking seduction naturally also encompasses a passion for mechanics. Bulgari responds to this by treating its Octo Roma watch to a Manufacture mechanical self-winding movement, Calibre BVL 191 Solotempo. It has a 42-hour power reserve, notably ensured by the efficiency of its ceramic components and its frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its refined finishing, drawing upon the finest Swiss skills such as chamfering and Côtes de Genève, is entirely in keeping with watchmaking traditions.