BY JOVAN KRSTEVSKI
While Bulgari presented more watches in the LVMH Watch Week 2022, in particular their Serpenti Misteriosi Secret line of watches, but the real star of Bulgari’s offerings is the Bulgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon. A watch that boasts two of the most complex watch complications in horology, namely the tourbillon and the minute repeater. Although these complications aren’t new to Bulgari, but having either of these complications in a watch solidifies the ‘Haute Horology’ status of the brand and the timepiece itself. Having both these complications in one watch at the same time is a feat of grandiosity and it certainly elevates the stock of the brand in the world of horology. The Bulgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon can proudly ring a chime or two in a testament to that statement.
In essence, it’s a swanky update to their last year’s model, now splashed in a rich blue colorway, which is indeed an exciting new hue for the last year’s monotone watch. The watch is presented in a 44mm x 12.83mm platinum case, while it sounds a bit on the larger side, but the dimensions of the case; as well as the three openings on the side of the case actually help to provide better sound amplification, echo and clarity to the chimes of the minute repeater. The case also extends to the angular chamfered lugs, rendered in brushed and polished platinum.
The skeletonized dial features an intricately adorned two-layered bezel, which is also rendered in brushed and polished titanium. The dial has only one enlarged Arabic numeral at 12 o’clock position, the 6 o’clock position is taken up by the oscillating escapement of the tourbillon, while the minute repeater hammers are exhibited at 10 o’clock position through the cutaway bridge. The crown at 3 o’clock and the transparent sapphire crystal caseback helps to provide water resistance which is three atmospheres (30 meters).
Powered by the BVL428 hand-wound movement, it’s a serious complication piece featuring three gongs. Visible on the dial, these gongs play note C for the hours; E, D and C for the quarters; and E for the minutes. The movement has a power reserve of 75 hours at full wind and a 21,600 bph beat rate. The watch comes on an alligator leather strap in classic matte navy blue color with a platinum butterfly deployant clasp.
Bulgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon Limited Edition is limited to 30 examples and has a MSRP of $317,000.
Visit BVLGARI here.
