Bulgari’s Polychroma High-Jewelry Timepieces Take Sparkle and Sophistication to a Spectacular New Level

For decades (going back to the 1950s), Bulgari has used a variety of candy-colored gemstones in both its high-jewelry pieces as well as its watches. And in that era, the brand made the “cabochon-cut” – a non-faceted (smooth) and rounded style of cut for gems – a new trend.

Last month, Bulgari once again embraced its love of color with the introduction of its latest high-jewelry timepieces, the Polychroma High Jewelry collection.

With the Polychroma collection, Bulgari has embraced its “poly” phase by introducing its fans to the brand’s latest collections in both the worlds of high jewelry and high-jewelry watches. Color is key in this collection, and the brand does not disappoint those who are rainbow-friendly.

“Each [Polychroma] creation is an extraordinary testament to our colorful and vibrant DNA, a celebration of the boldness that has always set Bulgari apart, making it the world’s greatest Italian Jeweler with a timeless and unmistakable style,” explained Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of LVMH Watches & CEO of Bulgari, in a press release for the new collection.
 

The Romans and the Greeks share a great deal in terms of language, gods, and outlook, and this new collection is no different. Rooted in the Greek poly, meaning “multitude,” and chroma, meaning “color,” with an additional tip of the hat to the “Eternal City,” a.k.a. Rome, the name “Polychroma” is more than just an homage, according to the brand.

It’s a vibe. It’s an identity. It’s where “color becomes language, movement becomes expression, and every jewel is a portal to a new realm” in Bulgari’s eyes. Thus, these latest masterpieces are sure to capture the attention of buyers who are more jewelry-oriented yet are becoming more interested in timepieces.
 

“Polychroma redefines the boundaries of craftsmanship, gemology, and goldsmithing excellence, with every piece standing as a masterpiece of art, each gemstone an expression of unparalleled rarity and beauty,” Babin’s statement continued. “This collection not only honors Bulgari’s heritage but also reaffirms our commitment to excellence, constantly pushing the limits of what luxury can represent.”

Pendant watches have been all the rage for the last three years at Watches and Wonders (and as an owner of several, I support this trend). But the new Bulgari Nuvole Preziose pendant watch (ref. 104215) has taken this trend to an entirely new level.
 

Designed to evoke the breathtaking altarpiece of Rome’s Santa Maria della Vittoria church, this piece features a 6.88-carat cushion-cut yellow sapphire set at the center of the watch’s dial. It also features a butterfly set on a trembler, which, according to the brand, was inspired by a vintage Bulgari brooch.

However, the bonus of it all is that the detachable clouds in this already magnificent design can be worn as… wait for it… earrings!
 

As a former metalsmith, it is pieces like these that make me swoon, as they combine my jewelry and watch worlds, and for me, there is no greater pleasure than to write about them.

Bulgari also introduced its Notte Stellata Diva watch (ref. 104207) featuring a dial covered by a crystal “dome” to pay homage to Bulgari’s cabochon-cut gems from decades ago.
 

The watch also features a moon (hence, the night theme) set with princess-cut diamonds and snow-set, round, brilliant-cut diamonds, as well as moving fireflies set on tremblers, in the form of yellow diamonds and blue sapphires.
 

It is an exquisite timepiece from a brand that continues to show that it is so much more than just the Serpenti and the Octo. Although…

Look, I genuinely love all things Serpenti. I do. I am a huge fan (although the Bulgari/Bulgari coin watch will always be my favorite, as I do own one). But the Serpenti watches are most certainly on my “grail watch” list. These latest Serpenti novelties are quite special.
 

Crafted in 18K white gold utilizing the Art Deco-inspired bangle design of the Serpenti Aeterna, these newest editions are offered in two variations: the first features diamonds mixed with sapphires (ref. 104266), and the second has diamonds mixed with emeralds (ref. 104265). Both remain true to the Serpenti spirit while still distinguishing themselves from the collections that came prior or even from the Aeterna models released at this year’s Watches and Wonders.

… but the reality is, I only get paid so much for so many words. There are other incredible novelties Bulgari has released within the Polychroma, such as the Gioco di Forme e Colori secret watch (ref. 104216) and the Tubogas e Colori manchette watch (ref. 104212), which, by rights, probably need their own articles.
 

The point I want to make sure to convey is that if you’re interested in jewelry or gem-set timepieces, Bulgari is a brand that is absolutely killing it right now, and it should be on your radar. Moreover, I feel that, especially with those who are at the helm, this brand is far from putting the brakes on when it comes to shaking up the jewelry watch genre.
 

For more information about the new Polychroma High Jewelry collection, check out Bulgari’s website.