In 1975, the hundred best Bvlgari customers were offered a very special gift: a watch combining a round yellow gold case, a digital dial and a braided bracelet bordered with leather. Its bezel is engraved with the inscriptions “BVLGARI” and “ROMA”. This gift was so successful that it metamorphosed, to meet demand, into a first collection of Bvlgari Bvlgari watches launched in 1977. A watchmaking tribute to the link between the Bvlgari family and Rome, the city where Sotirio Boulgaris settled in 1881.
Bulgari Roma, in gold with digital screen, leather bracelet and rope (1975). Judikael Hirel / Le Figaro
The geometry of the cylindrical case of this model evokes the ancient columns of Roman monuments while its bezel is inspired by Roman imperial coins, struck with the name of the Emperor on their edge, in order to leave its place in his portrait in the center. The Bvlgari Bvlgari is back this year, in a chic urban version, dressed in black DLC treated steel. This Bvlgari Bvlgari Cities Special Edition 2020 pays tribute to all the cities that have hosted the brand's boutiques around the world. Rome, Milan, New York, Tokyo, Dubai, Mexico City, London, Ibiza and Paris…
Read also: Watchmaking: "When you buy luxury, you buy heritage"
Bulgari Roma, in gold with black leather strap (1975) Judikael Hirel / Le Figaro
If the Roman edition is available worldwide, each of the others will only be available in the city to which it pays homage. Each of these watches is delivered with a second bracelet, a leather travel case and a portfolio of twelve unique lithographs signed by nine contemporary artists, dedicated to the city concerned. A black grained leather pouch designed for travel and transport accompanies each timepiece.
Read also: Bulgari: Gran Turismo horloger
Bulgari
For the Parisian edition, it is the BD illustrator Jean Aubertin who was called to the rescue by Bulgari. "For urban explorers, Paris represents the ultimate challenge, teeming with hidden corners and places," explains the brand. Jean Aubertin uses a delicate watercolor to represent Paris as twin sister of Rome. The city therefore naturally finds its place on the list of places in the Cities Edition 2020 Collection. ” Another particular sign of this urban edition, compared to other creations of the house: a price located below the bar of 5000 euros, despite its Manufacture movement with automatic winding with 42 hours of power reserve.
Bvlgari Bvlgari Cities Special Edition 2020, € 4,250, released in mid-May in stores and e-commerce
