Geneva Watch Days: The Bvlgari Aluminium Watch Makes A Comeback
After more than 20 years, Bulgari unveils the second generation of its Bvlgari Aluminium, a watch that combines an unconventional mix of aluminum and rubber.
First launched in 1998, the Bvlgari Aluminium presented a timepiece in an unexpected combination of aluminum and rubber with a graphic black and white design.
Planet-Wide Success
Back in 1998, the arrival of the Bvlgari Aluminium was an instant success. Its image was even used on the livery of an Alitalia 747 Jumbo Jet, showing off the watch’s unique design across the world’s skies and airports. It is no surprise that the watch quickly became a favorite of the jet-set with its unique lines and unisex design.
The Second Generation
Twenty years on and this second-generation Bvlgari Aluminium continues to stand out from the crowd with its unconventional design. Bulgari has never been afraid to be different, and the Bvlgari Aluminium attests to this once more with its avant-garde design that, even if it is 20 years old, seems as contemporary today as it was back in 1998.
Bvlgari Aluminium Updates
There are a number of updates to the Bvlgari Aluminium, starting with a new case size. The previous models were available in 29mm, 38mm, and 44mm, and now, the new Bvlgari Aluminium is available in 40mm. The comfort of the watch has also been improved thanks to a new lug shape allowing for a snugger, more agreeable fit to the wrist. The aluminum is also tougher than the original, as is the rubber, which is more resistant.
Evolution Of The Movement
The original Aluminiums were mainly fitted with a mechatronic quartz movement. But now that Bulgari has a fully integrated manufacture, the maison has decided to power the Bvlgari Aluminium with its in-house automatic movements that come with a 42-hour power reserve.
As Bulgari Watches Managing Director Antoine Pin explained in a press release: “Masterpieces impose themselves to the crowd from the moment of their birth and they never die. Bvlgari Aluminium is a masterpiece of design; and a milestone in the history of the watch industry for its unique design and combination of industrial materials. After many years dedicated to grow the Octo collection, bringing Bvlgari Aluminium back under the spotlight is an immense source of pride and satisfaction for us.”
A Run Down On The Different Models
Three models are being unveiled at Geneva Watch Days, all of which come in a 40mm aluminum case with a titanium caseback, DLC treatment and rubber bezel, water-resistance of 100 meters, and a rubber bracelet with aluminum links. Of the different versions, two feature the hours, minutes, seconds, and date with a choice of a white or gray dial, and the chronograph with a date window comes with a gray dial.
Even though this is a reedition, these striking looking timepieces offer something totally new in the luxury sports watch segment. But we wouldn’t expect anything less from Bulgari, which never stops reinventing the idea of luxury watchmaking.
(Photography by Pierre Vogel)