On the occasion of the LVMH Watch Week, the Roman Jeweller reveals a mechanical masterpiece that harmoniously brings together the marvel of sound and precious gemstones in a thoroughly modern style. Not only does the Grande Sonnerie four-gong mechanism represent a pinnacle of horological prowess, but the dial and case are now set with shimmering baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds. This is Bulgari at its very best, elegantly fusing Haute Horlogerie and Haute Joaillerie with its hallmark Roman style and design bravado.
Mechanical emotions
The Maison has uncompromisingly committed to an innovation-driven attitude in all its watches, however complex or rare. This philosophy is expressed in the Estetica della Meccanica approach, making even the most extreme and archaic complications relevant and desirable to a new age of cognoscenti and collectors. As the pioneer of contemporary Haute Horlogerie, Bulgari propels heritage and exquisite savoir faire into the future with this design-driven approach that transforms traditional constraints into exciting opportunities.
As a chiming watch, the new bejewelled Grande Sonnerie joins the orchestra of the Sinfonia della Meccanica, along with other masterpieces that allows the wearer to experience the wonder of the mechanical heart of the watch through the pure and primordial emotion of sound.
A contemporary heritage
The Grande Sonnerie with four hammers and gongs is considered the queen of complications and is Bulgari’s most complex timepiece to date. The Maison is amongst only a handful of Swiss watchmakers capable of producing a Grande Sonnerie mechanism that sounds the hours, quarters and minutes. The watch has a harmonious Westminster chime that can be silenced or activated on demand by the side buttons. The creation is powered by the superlative BVL 703 automatic winding, tourbillon-regulated calibre that is composed of 732 individual components diligently assembled over nine months by one master watchmaker, who also carries out any later adjustments or services.
Jewellery mastery
A jeweller at heart, Bulgari’s Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie follows on from the all-diamond version and is set with 446 baguette-cut Zambian emeralds and diamonds totalling over 30 carats. Crafted in white gold with a sapphire crystal case-back, this outstanding creation reveals a graphic, architectural look featuring a pattern of jointed elements that harmoniously conveys a sense of dynamic lightness and eternal beauty. Presented on a vibrant green alligator strap to match the emerald-set bezel, the watch is a one-of-a-kind creation and its arrival confirms Bulgari’s prowess both as the most revolutionary and exciting watchmaker as well as a refined jeweller to gentlemen.
OCTO ROMA emerald grande sonnerie 103553
technical characteristics
Movement
Mechanical self-winding movement, BVL703 calibre with Grande and Petite Sonnerie, 4-hammer Westminster chime, Minute Repeater and power-reserve indicator for the striking mechanism: 24 hours in Grande Sonnerie mode, 28 hours in Petite Sonnerie mode; 21,600 VpH, 82 jewels, 31.50 mm diameter, 8.77 mm thick. Water-resistant to 3 ATM.
Case and dial
44mm-diameter white gold case, bezel and lugs set with 72 baguette-cut emeralds (~ 7.28 cts) and 374 baguette-cut diamonds (~22.86 cts), 15.42 mm thick, transparent case-back, white gold crown set with baguette-cut diamonds and 1 round rose-cut diamond, baguette-cut diamonds on the dial.
Strap
Green alligator strap with white gold folding clasp.
Unique piece.
