During the first day of Watches & Wonders, Bulgari amazes us once again, simultaneously with the launch of the monochromatic GMT Chronograph (about which you can read here), it has in fact introduced a new version, both for materials and shades, of the ultra-flat Tourbillon Cronograph Skeleton and for the Minute Repeater.
The first versions, introduced respectively in 2020 and 2016, immediately conquered, and still hold, the world record for thickness in their categories. In these new reiterations, however, the monochromatic aspect is abandoned and blue is used in both models: in the hands and alligator strap for the former and in the dial and rubber strap for the latter.
Tourbillon Cronograph Skeleton
This first timepiece, with a 43 mm platinum case, combines two classic watchmaking complications (the monopusher chronograph and the tourbillon) in a skeletonized dial of rare legibility.
It features two white chronograph counters at 9 and 3, while at 6 we find the tourbillon. The barrel, also skeletonized, is positioned at 12 o’clock to balance the dial.
We therefore find four circular shapes placed radially with respect to the center, where the blued central hour, minute and second hands are located. Blue is also used for all the indexes, which give a touch of color to the dial, in which the light gray of the skeleton predominates.
The finish of the movement, also visible through the sapphire caseback, is sandblasted, with some elements that are mirror polished, once again demonstrating the maison’s extreme attention to detail.
In conclusion, this timepiece will understandably be a limited edition of just 30 units.
PTo find out more about this watch, visit the official Bulgari website.
Minute Repeater
For this 40 mm case, Bulgari used sandblasted titanium that, with its characteristic dark color, matches perfectly with the strap and the midnight blue dial. The finish of the latter is opaque, while that of the spheres echoes the sandblasted finishes of the case, thus providing continuity to the overall design.
The movement in this case is manually wound and is finished with the classic techniques: perlage, Cotes de Geneve and mirror polishing. Visible through the sapphire caseback, the mirror-polished hammers immediately catch the eye and, to achieve better sound quality and allow greater propagation, the dial features skeletonized indexes, contributing to the futuristic character of the timepiece.
To find out more about this watch, visit the official Bulgari website.
Our opinion
These are two watches with a strong character with an attractive design and a very high technical component. Once again Bulgari does not disappoint and, by replacing the integrated bracelets with colored leather and rubber straps, it certainly makes them less recognizable but at the same time more “discreet.”
I was really impressed with the color and material combinations, especially the one found in the Minute Repeater. The shades of blue and titanium come together in a delightful combination that elevates both, joining to form a true emblem of elegance.
In contrast to the essentiality of the Minute Repeater, the skeletonized chronograph tourbillon is disruptive. The skeletonization enhances the depth of the dial while the finishing of the case returns an enviable play of light.
To discover all the news of Watches & Wonders 2022 click here and access our dedicated section.
To follow all the events and news of Watches & Wonders 2022 in real time, check out the story highlights at our Instagram account.
