Bulgari occupies a place a part in the world of prestige timekeeping, a place certainly due both to its basic ‘métier’ of a great jeweller as well as to its strong Italian heritage. This ‘DNA’ is found in one way or another in all the products and collections proposed by the brand, products that are differentiated from the ‘purely’ Swiss production by their design. This affirmed design, with its own character far from the classic watch standards, forms a veritable Bulgari style with each piece.
Parallel to its particular attention to design, Bulgari is gradually acquiring the tools and savoir-faire necessary to establish its technical independence and the vertical integration of its watch production. This considerable effort passes notably by the acquisition of the Roth and Genta manufactures five years ago, as well as the progressive purchases of several subcontractors in the domain of cases and finishing (Europa Star will return in detail to this gradual verticalization in an upcoming issue).

Diagono Professional Scuba Chrono
Bulgari’s increase in watchmaking strength is bearing fruit, as is witnessed particularly by the launch of the new Diagono Professional Scuba Chrono.
This watch, which has all the characteristics to categorize it as ‘professional’, is the result of more than two years of development relating as much to the functions of the watch as to its technical, ergonomic, and stylistic specifications.




DIAGONO PROFESSIONAL SCUBA CHRONO


To succeed in designing a diver’s watch that is more than a simple measuring instrument but is also “an indispensable and vital ally in case of emergency or failure of electronic material,” as explain the managers of the brand, Bulgari hired a team of professional divers as consultants. Taking advantage of the location of its watch ateliers along the lake in Neuchâtel, Bulgari partnered with a group specializing in underwater archaeological exploration (there are many prehistoric habitations that are underwater today in the lakes of Neuchâtel and Bienne), in scientific projects, and in recovery and salvage operations.
From this collaboration was born a veritable instrument with water-resistance to 300 metres. Special attention was given to its readability under all circumstances especially in low light conditions. It features luminescent markers, anti-reflective curved glass, special work on the watchmaking design and clarity of the dial indications. The minute hand of the chronograph has thus been placed in the centre in order to allow instantaneous reading of the time passed during the decompression phase. The chronograph can be activated or de-activated under the water and has a flyback function permitting it to be re-initialized and re-started using only one push-button. The automatic mechanical movement, the COSC-certified Calibre B224, specially made for Bulgari, also has a date indicator.
With its uni-directional rotating bezel that has been specially notched for optimal grip, its 40 mm yellow gold case (also available in steel or steel and gold), and its natural rubber bracelet with yellow gold links, this professional timepiece can be worn both below the water or to a society dinner – a mix that owes everything to the spirit and style of Bulgari.

Ergon and Assioma
Two other new timekeepers are also examples of this Bulgari style. One is the Ergon watch, an evening chronograph, if we might call it as such, featuring a white gold case set with brilliant cut diamonds, a superb dial adorned with a beautiful vertical treatment, and an automatic mechanical movement, the Calibre B130 specially developed for Bulgari, with a date indicator and chronograph functions.
The second new timepiece is the very lovely and feminine Assioma in pink gold set with brilliant cut diamonds, which features a mother-of-pearl dial, diamond pavé indices, and a satin bracelet.




ASSIOMA and ERGON


Source: Europa Star April-May 2007 Magazine Issue