By John Galt
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the iconic Roma model first released back in 1975, Bulgari have released an Haute Horology piece in tribute to the iconic Roma called the Bulgari Roma Finissimo Tourbillon featuring a gorgeous mix of prestigious metal and tourbillon to create this stunner.
The rose gold 41mm case is engraved around the bezel with BVLGARI ROMA in homage to its predecessor, the rose gold shimmers warmly in any light giving a luxurious feel but not too shouty or ostentatiously. Given the size of the case the watch is very slim which we do not normally see on a case larger than 38mm. At only 5.40mm thick the case sits superbly on the wrist under cuffs. The crown is slim in keeping with the rest of the piece and has a black ceramic insert in the middle and in perfect harmony with the deep black lacquered dial. The dial is nicely uncluttered with gold-plated indices and hands, the only thing Bulgari added and keeps an excellent smooth elegant feel to the piece. Cut away at 6 O’clock is the tourbillon which with the deep black dial really jumps out at you.
The prestigious tourbillon is what really sets itself from the others, with its small revolving carriage housing the escapement and balance wheel releasing the movement from the grip of gravity so enhancing the isochronism of the balance wheel and so improving the overall accuracy of the timepiece.
Turning the piece over you are greeted with an exhibition case back showing off proudly the in-house Finissimo Tourbillon BVL 268 movement Bulgari’s slimmest yet at just 1.95mm thick. This hand-wound movement is decorated with circular graining, exquisite Cote de Genève stripes and offers a power reserve of 52 hours, the movement hasn’t been made or decorated in rose gold which I like as it gives a real sense of contrast between to case and movement.
Finishing off the piece is a supple black alligator strap with pin and buckle. Price is on request, plus you can also request a bezel set with diamonds if you heart desires it.
Conclusion
As tribute editions for anniversaries goes this is a real beauty, with its warm glow of the rose gold coupled with that delightful deep black and the tourbillon that just jump out at you Bvlgari has got this just right. For more info, please visit bulgari.com
JOHN GALT – CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
John Galt caught the horology bug back in 2010 on his first visit to a London watch show and has snowballed since; John has become an avid writer and blogger of timepieces of all kinds, from everyday timepieces to modern Luxury HauteHorology, his favorite brands being HYT and GreubelForsey that push the boundaries of modern watch-making. John keeps a keen interest in the UK watch scene with their many emerging brands and timepieces. John Galt currently contributes watch related articles for online publications in the UK and USA. You can follow John on Twitter @johng73 Read his articles here.
