Bulgari is one of a select breed of haute horology manufacturers capable of in-house production of its movement as well as its timepiece research, development and actual production. Bulgari Daniel Roth Carillon Tourbillon demonstrates its brilliant expertise to produce results in particular with its hand-wound DR3300 calibre movement crafted entirely in-house. It consists of 327 parts and beats to the rhythm of a Tourbillon type regulating organ housed within a large sized carriage.

Bulgari Daniel Roth Carillon Tourbillon is the result of several year of careful development. Its design stems from “three hammer striking” mechanisms, an unusual configuration for a watch of this type model which usually consists of two hammers for Minute Repeaters, or four in rare cases such as Grande Sonnerie or grand strike models.

The miniaturization required to produce the required force and clarity of tone were governed by detailed parameters. The exceptional sized calibre with three hammers gives Bulgari Daniel Roth Carillon Tourbillon a higher torque which in turn enhances the acoustic resonance. The set of three gongs is affixed to the mainplate and is coupled with an inertia governor which keeps friction to a minimum when the striking mechanism is in action, hindering any audio interference.

The three hammer Minute Repeater chiming sequence striking three different pitches produces a C note for the hours, and E-D-C sequence for quarter hours, and a single E note for the minutes.

Bulgari Daniel Roth Carillon Tourbillon showcases polished steel for the hammers, gongs and tourbillon carriage and open worked surfaces. The finely decorated mainplate and bridges are metals from the platinum family, platinoids consisting of platinum, rhodium, ruthenium and indium. This high tech coating produces the metal and elegant black color which is visible through the case dial and caseback sapphire crystal.

The watch’s sturdy construction is protected by a pink gold case with Minute Repeater slidepiece on left side, which glides between 7 and 11 o’clock. The crown, instead of bearing Bulgari’s signature logo, is inscribed with numbers from one to 30, in keeping with the watch’s 30 limited edition pieces. It is also water resistant up to 30 meters and showcases well with a brown alligator leather wrist strap which is secured by a triple-blade folding clasp in 18K pink gold.

The Bulgari Daniel Roth Carillon Tourbillon is indeed a work of visual art whose limited edition beauty will place you in a hypnotic trance.

Like all the watches in the Diagono collection, the Diagono Ceramic has the double “Bvlgari” logo engraved on its bezel and comes in a structured case. The men’s version has a case that is 42 millimeters in diameter, while the female version has a 37 millimeters diameter. The men’s version is water resistant to 100 meters and the women’s version up to 50 meters. The structured case has sapphire crystal that is scratch resistant and glare-proof. High-tech ceramic can be seen throughout this chronograph, including the bezel, crown, and chronograph pushers. The masculine version has a satin-finish black ceramic bezel, and the feminine version has a glowing white ceramic bezel.

Inside the case of the Diagono Ceramic is a beautiful dial. The men’s version comes in a deep black dial that has three short-time hour, minute, and second measurement sub-dials that are silver-toned or gold-toned. The hour, minute, and second hands are either silver-toned or gold-toned depending on the sub-dials. There is a small date window in between the 4 and 5 o’clock position as well. The women’s version comes in a gorgeous white mother-of-pearl dial with 8 brilliant-cut diamonds hour markers. Similar to the men’s version, there are three sub-dials for the short-time hour, minute, and second measurements and date window at the 4 and 5 o’clock position. The hour, minute, and second hands are rhodium or pink gold-plated.

The Diagono Ceramic is powered by Swis Calibre BVL 130. This self-winding mechanical movement with displays of the date and chronograph is specific for Bulgari. This 37-jewel movement has a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a power reserve of 42 hours, and it measures 28.60 millimeters in diameter and 6.10 millimeters in thickness.

The strap of the watch varies depending on the version and model. The men’s version comes in mono-block black rubber that has steel inserts or 18K pink gold inserts to match the inside of the dial. The women’s version comes in white rubber that has steel pin buckles or 18K pink gold pin buckles depending on the model.

But in the case of Italian powerhouses Bulgari and Maserati, their cooperation ups the ante and takes their watches to a whole new level with their Octo Maserati watch. Whereas most luxury car and watch combinations add cute, dashboard-themed dials to their timepieces, Bulgari’s collaboration with Maserati has created an entirely different vehicle for watches.

Keeping in mind the sophisticated look and technology of the Calibre GG7800 automatic chronograph movement of Bulgari and pairing it with the high performance ideals of a Maserati, this latest timepiece knocks it out of the ballpark.

With 45-jewel movement and a 38 hour power reserve, this watch’s machinery packs a punch every bit as powerful as a Maserati engine. The Calibre CG780 Haute Horologerie is a top-of-the-line mechanism that keeps the watch accurate to an incredible degree of accuracy.

But the connections to the famous line of luxury cars extend beyond the cutting edge technology. The anti-glare, scratch-proof sapphire crystal dial window is a handy addition to the top-of-the-line model.

The blue-lacquered dial invokes the Maserati grill while the blue calfskin strap will call to mind the luxurious seats within the car. The steel exterior is bold, flashy, and a nice counterpoint to the deep blue of the dial.  The iconic Maserati Trident is etched on the back of the watch case for a complete.

The unique octagonal shape of the dial gives the watch its name, but also mirrors the many functions of the watch. With date, hour, second, tachymeter, and chronometric functions, this watch has at least as many tools as it does sides. A watch with as almost as many facets of its owner, it is certain to take the place of “man’s best friend.”

Both Maserati and Bulgari pride themselves on crafting unique products, so it should come as no surprise that this timepiece has a time limit. The Octo Maserati Timepiece is a limited edition time piece, so you’d better race to the checkout if you want to the proud new owner of a watch that takes first place.

The Swatch Group, home to such esteemed brands as Breguet, Blancpain, Tissot, Omega and Tourbillon, had a record year in 2011, posting a sales increase of 21.7 percent and an operating profit of 12.4 percent over the pervious year. Even while European economic turmoil and exchange rates had negative effects on the ultimate bottom line, the watches and jewelry sector still showed a gain of approximately $1.5 billion. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, “The group’s leading brands recorded very impressive rates of growth not only in the enlarged China, but also in all other regions and in all price segments. Despite the unfavourable economic situation, the Swatch Group maintained its consistent policy of renouncing short-term price increases, preferring to focus on gains in market share.” Stepping up marketing efforts within the watches and jewelry sector, instead of raising prices, the Swatch Group saw its operating profit grow by 8.4 percent.

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SA reported sales growth of 16 percent last year, with an operating profit increase of 22 percent and a net profit of $4.12 billion. The watches and jewelry group within LVMH recorded astounding increases of 98 percent in sales and 107 percent in operating profits. (Equating to +23 percent and 41 percent based on comparable structures.) Dedicated consumers in the Western Hemisphere responded well to marketing and innovative additions, while growth in Asian markets added to the LVMH global marketplace. Tag Heuer successfully launched the Mikrograph and Mikrotimer; Hublot introduced a popular new Masterpieces collection; Zenith and Bulgari brought back some well-loved classics.

Tag Heuer Mikrograoh (right) and Mikrotimer (left)

Hublot Masterpiece #1 (on left) and #2 (on right)

Richemont, the Swiss luxury holding company that boasts subsidiaries such as Baume et Mercier, Cartier, Piaget and Montblanc, increased its sales by 33 percent and gross profit by 38 percent – a gain of approximately $1.6 billion. Operating profit grew by nearly double that amount – 63 percent. The highest sales growth occurred in the Asia-Pacific region, at 48 percent (or, by $3.67 billion) and sales in Japan were up by 18 percent. “We will continue to invest in their organic growth through higher levels of capital spending in manufacturing capacity and in the further development of the group’s own retail network,” said Richemont CEO, Johann Rupert. “Particularly in growth markets.” To that end, the company grew its freestanding boutique stores to a total of 876 last year – primarily in growing Asian markets.

While the Asian continent currently represents the largest growth market for the industry, Australia, South America and Africa have also been the focus of luxury brand marketing efforts. Tag Heuer, an LVMH brand that began opening North American retail boutiques only last year, has established stores in Australia, South Africa as well as across the Middle East and India. They have a retail location in Argentina and a customer service location in Chile also, catering to a small but dedicated (and growing) clientele in those regions.

Map of Tag Heuer Brand Boutiques Worldwide

It would certainly seem that a truly global reach is the safest buffer against increasingly unpredictable western markets. But it probably doesn’t hurt to be well known and widely respected for beautiful and high quality products either.

When one hears the words “replica luxury watch” the first thing the generally pops into mind is a comical image of a shady guy in a trench coat trying to sell a replica Rolex on the street.  But it is not necessarily a laughing matter; these illegal copies of authentic watches cause an estimated one billion dollars of losses each year to the watch industry. The Swiss Customs Service estimates that up to 40 million counterfeit watches are put into circulation every year. So with each purchase of a counterfeit watch, consumers are not only hurting the legitimate watch industry, but also slowing the global economy, as well as participating in criminal activities.

The most common fakes are made to resemble watches made by Rolex and Brietling, big names in the luxury watch industry. But there is also a huge replica watch market for the popular brands Chanel and Gucci. About half of these counterfeits are made in China and sold to tourists. However, a fair amount are made in America and moved across the country to be sold out of car trunks along with fake purses and wallets. Many websites online actually boast the authentic look of their fake watches, and insist their product is better and more reliable than other replicas.

There are two main types of counterfeits on the market, one is by trademark violation and the other is by design violation. A trademark violation watch will copy the brand name or symbols of a legitimate watch. It also includes any false claims like “Water/Shock Resistant” or claiming to be made of gold, silver, or any other precious metals. Oftentimes, replica watches will have a few legitimate parts, such a leather straps or gold buckles to fool potential customers. A design violation is when a counterfeit is designed to look like an original, such as using the same model as a Rolex or Audemars.  Both of these types of counterfeits are illegal and production can result in jail time.

A fakeRolex, or Folex

As Valentine’s Day approaches, and many feel their purses tightening, the temptation to wow your significant other with what they think is a genuine Chanel or Bvlgari watch is probably quite hard to resist. The risk factor, however, is not truly worth the gain. Especially if your girlfriend finds out that Gucci watch she has been showing off is a fake! Best to stick with a modest but classy watch for Valentine’s this year.

2012 Bulgari Serpenti

The Bulgari website elaborates that, “the figure of the reptile, a symbol of eternal youth and immortality in the mythological bestiary, is an integral and long-established part of the aesthetic universe of the Italian jeweler, and consistently appears in the most striking Bulgari collections.”

The case and watch-face is designed to be the head of the snake, while the body is black or eggshell enamel coiled as the bracelet, and set with diamonds. Produced with 18k pink gold, the watch-face contains sapphire crystals, which are both anti-reflective and scratchproof. Under this sapphire glass, sits black sapphire with thirty-three diamonds, twelve of which are set onto each of the hour marks; the face is also available in white pearl with a mother-of-pearl dial. Additionally, the casing has a polished bezel on both sides with six more diamonds, at 0.6 karats each. Bulgari personalized the movement of this new Serpenti with a Swiss Caliber B031 quartz movement powering the mighty snake.

Each individual “scale” of the Bulgari Serpenti is done in either black or eggshell enamel and is set with diamonds. The snake is designed to coil twice around the wrist in order to display 346 total precious stones (but can also be ordered in single coil). In total, the weight of the diamonds alone is 4.12 karats. Though with all of these diamonds, metals, and twisting parts, it would seem to be a bit cumbersome for a bracelet, Bulgari insists it is quite lightweight and comfortable.

Bulgari’s website has a specific section for the Serpenti collection, reminding the curious watch aficionado of its enchanting and magnificent styling. Bulgari evokes the ancient symbol of the snake as a sign of eternity and healing, while offhandedly mentioning that Elizabeth Taylor wore a similar bracelet in the 1962 classic Cleopatra.

Made in the image of the classic Bulgari Tubogas bracelet, the Serpenti is offered in 5 meters of pink gold for the single wrap, and 10 meters for the double coil. Most Serpenti watches start at $10,000, but those anxious to see this hot new watch coiling up their wrist will have to wait until March for Baselworld.

Face of the new Bulgari Perpetual Calendar watch

Bulgari has impressed audiences again with the release of their Grande Sonnerie Quantieme Perpetual Calendar watch earlier this year.
Bulgari is often portrayed as a brilliant jewelry maker, and the same holds true for their watches. This new timepiece is no exception. The watch offers the owner all the magnificent extras that has come to be expected from Bulgari. Another fine addition to the Daniel Roth Collection, the Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar has an astounding number of components and took approximately one year to complete.
This model pushes the boundaries on the Grande Sonnerie line  with a new function that will keep the date and provide musical cues on important dates and times throughout the year. The Calendar is set to work until the year 2100.
The watch comes equipped with 923 components and 20 different functions. The Perpetual Calendar function will chime with certain cues throughout the year. Over the course of an entire year, the watch will chime 433,580 during 35,040 activations.
This magnificent piece of craftsmanship was created by only the best and brightest in their profession. Six months of the development process was dedicated to the finishing and decorating of the moving parts alone. It is up to the watchmaker to create each piece in perfect working order or the watch will cease to perform correctly.
The tones the watch produces each day are the most intricate part of the watch. Each time the watch makes a note, tiny gongs are struck within the watch. The watchmaker must be sure that the tones within the casing sound true and accurate. If even one of the tones is off, the entirety of the sound is awful. This is even more evidence of the mastery put into each of these spectacular timepieces.

Tourbillion and Sonnerie of Bulgari Perpetual Calendar Watch

This exquisite piece of craftsmanship is designed with a tourbillion mechanism to ensure accurate timekeeping. It is held in an 18-carot pink gold case with a black alligator leather strap and 18-carot pink gold triple-blade folding clasp. The dial consists of an alternating lacquered finish, opaline anthracite and snailed surface treatment. The watch pops when one notices the sapphire discs in the case indicating the days and months.
Already being championed as one of the 10 most complicated watches every produced, the Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar watch debuted at Baselworld 2011, a watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel, Switzerland. The show is held to explore the new innovations and stunning products from all the worlds top watch and jewelry companies. This watch will truly capture the jealous gaze of anyone with the privilege of witnessing it in person.

Bvlgari Grande Sonnerie Quantieme Perpetual Watch

The most unique feature of this watch is its perpetual calendar, which has full calendar indications up to the year 2100. The watch has a very complicated making, since it contains such a unique feature, which is probably why it took almost a year to create such an accessory. The watch is made up of 923 parts. This beautiful elegant time piece is also quite artsy with a complicated design. It is said that this watch has already made a place on the list of the top ten most complicated watches to have ever been made.

The Bvglari Grande Sonnerie Quantieme Perpetual watch contains two self-winding barrels. The purpose of the first barrel is to maintain all of the usual timekeeping functions that a watch has. The second barrel is specifically meant to aid the striking mechanism, as well as promising a full 24-hour power reserve in Grand Sonnerie mode. The Petite Sonnerie mode is known for its mechanism which doesn’t repeat the hours once it strikes the quarters.

This chic watch will function properly and will have no need for maintenance until the year 2100. This time piece tracks the months that have 28, 29, 30 and 31 days. 2100 is going to be a leap year so the watch will need to be fixed so it can provide accurate  calendar information till the year 2200, which will also be a leap year.

The one of a kind uniqueness that this watch possesses is due to the fact that it was modeled after a vinyl record player. The case is a beautiful eye catching 18kt pink-gold with a black alligator leather strap and a 18kt matching pink gold triple blade folding clasp.  Another great feature that this watch contains is that it is water resistant in up to 30 meters or 99 feet of water, making this watch ideal for a day of water sports at the lake or that big summer cruise. The physical mechanical beauty of this time piece also makes it perfect for those weekend long business trips as well as meetings. This watch is sure to make you the envy amongst all of your friends with its luxury and punctuality.

Bvlgari Launches "One Touch Luxury" App for iPhone and iPad

Written by: Vanessa Formato

In a smart move toward increased connectivity, popular luxury watch, jewelry and fragrance brand Bvlgari has launched a new app to connect fans with their brand on a whole new level.

The “One Touch Luxury” app brings together everything that Bvlgari fans value about the brand’s website and products in a mobile format. It features frequent news and collection updates and easy access to all of their company’s social media– Youtube, Facebook and Twitter– all in one place. Users of the app will be able to stay abreast of the company’s actions without spending too much time surfing the net for updates on various websites, and if anything is valuable nowadays it is certainly time.

“When news breaks, you’ll be the first to know,” read an update about the app on Bvlgari’s Facebook page.

The Bvlgari app also allows users to keep updated on the very latest products, important for enthusiasts looking to catch deals on luxury products.

The iPhone and iPad app does not limit itself to matter of business, however. Even on the company’s Facebook, one of the main features that seems to be advertised is the chance to download icons and wallpapers to your phone and computer. From a marketing standpoint, it is an excellent move: thought Bvlgari hardly needs the help becoming a household name, more people with Bvlgari backgrounds and user icons might spark conversation about products. Considering how visually impressive many of Bvlgari’s watches, rings and other accessories are, even the virtual versions are sure to be conversation pieces.

Bvlgari is no newcomer to harnessing the power of the Internet. Fans of the brand seem to be incredibly engaged and many are likely already staying up to date by checking the luxury brand’s Twitter and Facebook, which stay well-updated with photographs, news and inspirational messages. Bvlgari has used its online presence to promote their extensive work with Save the Children. Buying Bvlgari is something that many lovers of luxury goods can feel good about because of the brand’s dedication to giving back.

The “One Touch Luxury” app is available in seven languages and can be used on the iPhone and iPad.

Bvlgari watches are synonymous with elegance and luxurious lifestyles. What started out in 1884 with creating fine jewelry, Bvlgari now has all their bases covered with collections in fragrances, fashion, skincare, watches, accessories, and even hotels and restaurants in Asia. Celebrities can be seen wearing Bvlgari fashion, jewelry and watches in movies and at red carpet appearances. Notably, Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark in Iron Man was spotted wearing a Bvlgari watch in the film.

The Rome based company stated that each piece created is stringently tested to ensure that that it upholds the Bvlgari tradition of craftsmanship and is perfectly faithful to the sensitivity and intentions of its creator. Their watches combine elegance and sophisticated mechanism and are crafted and tested against the most rigorous Swiss standards which will guarantee a watch made of the highest quality.

Bvlgari Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks Special Edition Watch

GQ magazine, formerly known as Gentleman’s Quarterly, is regarded by many to be the male equivalent of Vogue magazine. GQ is a monthly publication that features men’s fashion, style, and culture and is published in 15 other countries aside from the United States.  Annually, the magazine has produces a list of the top gadgets, products, and a Man of the Year. Bvlgari has managed to make the list for a Watch Guide for 2012 without even a month into the new year.

The Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks Special Edition was unveiled in 2011 and caused quite a stir with its departure from traditional Bvlgari style with its all black design, Maori tattoo on the watch face and sportier design. The Bvlgari timepiece design was inspired by and produced in collaboration with the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team.

The New Zealand All Blacks Rugby Team wearing Endurer Chronosprint

British GQ notes that the Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks Special Edition timepiece is the “watch of the collection;” coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC), a Maori tattoo design, and the case back engraved with the rugby team’s leaf logo. Also noted in the article was that since the brand went under the control of luxury giant LVMH, “a horological shake-up was in the pipeline.”

Regardless of ownership or control of the company, Bvlgari’s Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks Special Edition watch garnered many rave reviews from watch enthusiasts when it debuted at Baselworld 2011, a world famous jewelry and watch trade show in Basel, Switzerland. It will be exciting to see what is in store for the future of luxury goods powerhouse, horological shake-up or not.