GRAND PRIX D’HORLOGERIE DE GENEVE 2023 SHORTLISTED BVLGARI WATCHES

Serpenti, Octo Finissimo, BVLGARI Aluminium, Octo Roma… Year after year, every iconic BVLGARI design is acclaimed by the international watch community at the GPHG (Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève).

2023: The members of the GPHG Academy (Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève) voted the new Octo Roma watch into the final competition for Best watches of the year.

Only two years after BVLGARI won the supreme GPHG Aiguille d'or (2021), and after the Serpenti Misteriosi Piccolissimo and Octo Finissimo Ultra watches won the First prizes in the famed Jewellery and Audacity categories in 2022 (two categories so legitimate and well-deserved by BVLGARI), it's in the turn of the design of the new Octo Roma to be acclaimed in 2023!

BVLGARI OCTO ROMA: THE OCTAGON STYLE

The Octo Roma opens a new chapter in its legacy, elevating any attire with its impeccable flair

Lorenzo Viotti  

Lucien Laviscount

First introduced in 2012, Octo has had a considerable impact on the watchmaking communities over the last decade. It has become synonymous with a profoundly innovative and powerful Italian-style design that enriches Swiss watchmaking art – and with BVLGARI’s uncanny ability to renew and reinvigorate its hallmark aesthetic.

Versatility, sophistication and elegance! The new Octo Roma collection appeals to a self-confident individual with a refined sense of style; one who demands a statement timepiece that offers a range of options, from a gorgeous automatic watch to a mesmerizing tourbillon piece.

With its distinctive daring design, the Octo Roma exemplifies BVLGARI's capacity for innovation and its contribution to Swiss watchmaking with its signature Italian flair. It embodies a contemporary style that makes a lasting impression, showcasing the brand’s rich Roman roots and paying tribute to an architectural heritage and watchmaking craftsmanship:

• The octagonal shape of the case pays homage to the brand's historical connection to the Eternal City.
• The intricate Clous de Paris motif on the dial of the automatic and chronograph models honours Swiss Haute Horlogerie.

Octo Roma’s distinctive, non-circular design combines powerful style, versatility in wearability and that unmistakable touch of Italian allure:

• The Octo Roma automatic model comes equipped with a convenient tool-free interchangeable wristband system, offering the freedom to switch looks whenever desired.
• The crown is seamlessly incorporated into the case safeguarded by crown protectors - each watch is also water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters.
• The case design juxtaposes round and octagonal shapes, creating an intricate interplay of textures, of light and shadow.

Octo Roma embodies an unconventional take on classic Haute Horlogerie with its array of complications and fine craftsmanship:

• The Octo Roma Tourbillon watch represents the perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking excellence and Roman creativity, exhibiting a singular blend of technical precision and artistic vision.

Making its mark with style

With Octo Roma, BVLGARI is redefining the octagonal style. This new collection is a symbol of elegance that elevates the octagonal watch to a new level of modern sophistication. Its unique and round-but-not-round shape is a nod to BVLGARI’s Roman roots and rich heritage.

The octagonal shape has a rich history in Italian architecture, appearing in iconic structures such as the Pantheon and the works of Leonardo da Vinci; in particular, the eight-sided geometry characterizes the vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius, built in the 4^th century on one of Rome’s most important architectural sites.

This design element also shines through in BVLGARI's historical jewellery, the Monete collection, further solidifying the brand's connection to its Roman heritage. Likewise, it is echoed in the iconic Parentesi modular collection and the sumptuous volumes and chains of the pendants from the 1970s, where geometries come alive and gain a vibrancy all their own through the interplay of colours and gold. And it has come to define the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo collection. By combining ancient inspiration with contemporary innovation, Octo Roma celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Italy while embodying the stylish elegance that has made BVLGARI a leading name in the world of luxury watchmaking. The extreme sophistication of various finishes with circular and octagonal shapes playing off each other sets Octo Roma apart, merging heritage, architecture, and fine watchmaking.

Versatile in its distinctive, round-but-not-round aesthetic

The Italian flair of BVLGARI Horlogerie becomes evident in Octo Roma’s every detail, from its fine craftsmanship to its sleek lines - not least it its perfectly dimensioned case.

Octo Roma captivates with a subtle and refined case design, combining a round effect with an octagonal frame. This remarkable visual impact is achieved through an intricate combination of two distinct geometric shapes in the case design. The satin-brushed upper round bezel is contrasted by a polished lower octagonal bezel part, creating an eye-catching, “classic-yet-not-quite” aesthetic with a bold personality. The inner octagonal ring amplifies the design impact, with the dial taking on an octagonal shape. Completing the well-balanced and highly sophisticated look are the faceted lugs. The Octo Roma collection exudes power through its meticulously designed details, elevating the watch to a statement piece that showcases BVLGARI's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

Another of Octo Roma’s notable features is the smooth integration of the crown with crown protectors. The crown is integrated into the case design in such a way that it seamlessly blends in, giving the watch a streamlined appearance. The crown protectors on either side of the crown not only add to the watch’s overall aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose. They protect the crown from potential damage for years to come. The case’s robust construction, along with a screw-down crown, ensure the watch is water resistant to a depth of 100 meters.

The new Octo Roma is perfectly suited for any occasion, casual or elegant, but always chic, making it an ideal choice for those who value versatility. Whether at work, during leisure activities, or at formal events, Octo Roma elevates any wardrobe with its impeccable elegance. Its signature blend of "casual chic" is a testament to BVLGARI's unparalleled sense of style and daring flair.

The new Octo Roma comes equipped with an interchangeable wristband, affording the wearer even greater freedom and versatility. BVLGARI watchmakers have taken care to ensure that the interchangeability system is perfectly integrated in the case. It is therefore placed on the reverse side in the form of a pusher integrated with the mass of the case, between the lugs. Particularly secure, the system requires no special tool; a simple click is enough to change the strap in a few seconds. BVLGARI will deliver two wristbands at the time of purchase: a stainless-steel bracelet and a rubber strap, giving the freedom to switch looks whenever desired. Additional straps in rubber and alligator leather of various colours are available for purchase separately. This variety of materials and shades is in line with the philosophy behind the new Octo Roma, a versatile and customizable timepiece, that reflects one’s individual style and personality.

OCTO ROMA AUTOMATIC

Offbeat Classic

The 41mm automatic mechanical version with three hands and date is powered by the in-house Calibre BVL 191 featuring a power reserve of 42 hours. The dial is both easy to read and visually appealing, while its finish adds a touch of sophistication with a Clous de Paris motif. Thanks to this pattern that forms a series of small pyramids, the watch adopts a historical Swiss Haute Horlogerie motif and integrates it within the heart of the Italian-style design. The pattern plays with the light, adding substance and richness to the piece. The anthracite grey dial is ideal for those who seek sophistication and refinement. The emphasis on the dial is all about legibility: the hands are enhanced with Super-LumiNova^® – as indeed are all the hour markers and Octo Roma’s Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock.

Here again, BVLGARI has been careful to preserve Octo Roma’s emblematic aesthetic. The right balance and sense of proportion, both essential attributes of Italian architecture remain at the core of BVLGARI's concerns.

OCTO ROMA STRIKING PAPILLON TOURBILLON

The Octo Roma collection welcomes a unique tourbillon model, shortlisted by the 2023 Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève, showcasing the brand’s commitment to precision, innovation and style.

The generous forms of Octo Roma can accommodate various complications, making it a suitable platform for showcasing BVLGARI’s Haute Horlogerie expertise. From the striking aesthetics on display to the intricate mechanics at work, the striking papillon tourbillon is a true testament to BVLGARI’s excellence in watchmaking. This model proudly displays its own set of unique features, from the captivating movement of the tourbillon mechanism to the delicate details of the dial. The dimensions of Octo Roma’s octagonal case provide ample space for this technical masterpiece to shine.

The quintessentially Italian rhythm of the calibre – a Roman heart – is born in Neuchâtel. It is here, in the cradle of Swiss horology, that watchmakers driven by a passion for fine mechanics give birth to a groundbreaking calibre with the Tourbillon.

This one of kind masterpiece is of the flying type measuring 44mm in diameter and characterized by a sapphire container. The entire case middle is perfectly clear, offering a full view of the intimate motion within.

A one of a kind

The Octo Roma Striking Papillon Tourbillon has been given a new case, with soft curves for a more refined and lighter feel. This represents a very modern take on Haute Horlogerie as understood by BVLGARI, tending towards the sporty. The design is sleek, the dialogue between material and colour is taut, edgy. It embodies the same progressive, even transgressive vision of (de)constructing time. In its own way substantially renews the Tourbillon exercise.

The Tourbillon is displayed at centre stage. BVLGARI has decided to place this major high watchmaking complication – whose patent was registered in 1801 – in a majestic position commensurate with its prestige. Hypnotic, it immediately catches the eye; with its guaranteed 60-hour power reserve – enough to get you through the weekend comfortably – it won’t fail to capture the imagination.

The Octo Roma Papillon Tourbillon gives off a powerful, technical and, above all, playful vibe: the hour can be read through a fixed window at noon, while the minutes are displayed on a semicircle graduated from 0 to 60 and alternately traversed by two diamond-shaped hands. When the first one counts down the 60 minutes, it is deployed and easily readable with its luminescent white double tip. Meanwhile, its opposite counterpart is in its resting position at 180° so that it no longer points to the timer.

At the end of 60 minutes, the ballet is reversed: the hand that was in use until then moves to the horizontal position, while the other begins to move back to the vertical position. With its exclusive vivid green tones, the Octo Roma Striking Papillon Tourbillon in a titanium case is both a contemporary and urban design for the lover of creative complications.

SERPENTI MISTERIOSI CLEOPATRA

The hypnotic Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra adds to the brilliance of BVLGARI’s colour treasure story

Worthy of the Queen of the Nile herself, the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra is the latest chapter in BVLGARI’s love affair with the iconic serpent, brought to life with an intense passion for gloriously bold combinations of coloured gemstones and a touch of majestic irreverence. Part of the BVLGARI’s Colour Treasures series, this High Jewellery, one-of-a-kind cuff watch showcases the Roman jewellery house’s expertise in gemstones, with a magnificently opulent and eye-catching skin revealing a precious surprise: a diamond-set dial, hidden behind a faceted hexagonal see-through rubellite of over 5 carats. Only BVLGARI, the Master of Colour, could create such a harmony of brilliant gemstones in a new landmark watch that proudly joins the Colour Treasures series of spectacular jewellery-watch creations. With the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra, BVLGARI reaffirms its reputation as the Roman Jeweller of Time as it once again raises the bar in terms of both design and exquisite craftsmanship.

A MAGNETIC METHAMORPHOSIS

It wraps softly and sensually embraces; it keeps secrets, dominates the day and shines at night… The eclectic metamorphosis of Serpenti amazes every time with the mystic power of renovating while remaining itself, authentic and unmistakable. The enigmatic animal has wound its way through BVLGARI’s rich design heritage, appearing in many different and alluring guises. The snake is believed to have talismanic powers and is an emblem of wisdom, rebirth and vitality. The Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra is an abstract interpretation of the snake and though uncompromisingly contemporary, its irresistible style is reminiscent of the cuff bracelets worn by the powerful rulers of Ancient Egypt, and of Cleopatra herself. BVLGARI has attracted some of the most powerful women of our times, and in 1962 Elizabeth Taylor was photographed at the Cinecittà Studios in Rome, wearing an exquisite gold Serpenti bracelet-watch while on the set of the film Cleopatra. Taylor, known for her love of jewellery, was seduced by the charm and symbolism of the BVLGARI Serpenti in gold and diamonds, with gleaming emerald eyes. The black and white photograph of the most famous actress of the moment wearing the iconic Serpenti bracelet captured the world’s imagination and indelibly linked the Roman Jeweller with legendary Divas.

A CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON HIGH-JEWELLERY WATCHES

While other BVLGARI snakes have coiled themselves around the wrist, the Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra is a flexible manchette or cuff watch with a diamond-set dial, elegantly concealed beneath a faceted rubellite. The resolutely contemporary style of the watch draws on BVLGARI’s legacy of daring design and focuses on the snake’s scales, which are set with striking colour combinations of luminous, smooth-surfaced gemstones. The choice of a rainbow of 9 vivid gemstones surrounded by snow-set diamonds offers a unique High Jewellery watch stamped with BVLGARI’s inimitable confidence, executed with the highest standards of high-jewellery craftsmanship.

A glorious display of jewellery making prowess, realised by BVLGARI’s master goldsmiths and gem-setters, each of the three-dimensional scales is unique in shape and size to ensure the conical shaped cuff is beautifully fluid and comfortable to wear. BVLGARI’s highly skilled jewellery designers worked hand in hand with the gemmology team to achieve the intense vibrancy of colour displayed by the nine different gemstones: pairs of faceted hexagonal amethysts and citrines, an aquamarine, rubellite, Chrome tourmaline, tanzanite and a peridot with a total weight of over 50 carats, accompanied by close to 4,000 snow-set diamonds. Setting the gemstones alone took more than 470 hours of meticulous work, with each of the six-sided gems custom cut to fit the design, sacrificing up to two-thirds of their volume to achieve the perfect clarity, brilliance and saturation of colour. Meanwhile, the dial is entirely set with diamonds and covered with a facetted hexagonal transparent rubellite, originally measuring nearly 10 carats.

The Serpenti Misteriosi Cleopatra goes one step further in confirming BVLGARI’s commitment to fusing the most sophisticated Haute Joaillerie know-how with Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire to offer outstandingly opulent and audaciously colourful High Jewellery timepieces into a triumph of quintessential joie de vivre.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

About BVLGARI:

Part of the LVMH Group, BVLGARI was founded in the heart of Rome in 1884.

Over the decades, the Brand has established a worldwide reputation as magnificent Roman High Jeweller and icon of Italian art of living thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship, visionary design and audacious color combinations.

Through a pioneering vision intrinsic in the brand's DNA since its founding, the company’s international success has evolved into a global and diversified luxury purveyor of products and services, ranging from fine jewels and high-end watches to accessories and perfumes, and featuring an extended network of boutiques and hotels in the world’s most exclusive shopping areas.

Demonstrated through its numerous philanthropic partnerships, BVLGARI deeply believes in innovating the present for a sustainable future through its commitment to Social & Environmental Responsibility and giving back – to nature and to the community.