Bulgari

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FX in Rome (2017): a visit to the Bulgari Boutique via Condotti

The historic  Bulgari boutique located Via Condotti is one of the magical places of Rome. Although it was recently renovated, it has retained its character and soul as evidenced by the stars that welcome visitors behind the entrance door. It thus manages to bring together two distinct eras: the Rome of the movie stars, Cinecitta, exuberant and daring that is felt in some rooms  and the contemporary Rome, more discreet but still refined, embodied especially by the space dedicated to the men's watches.

Every year, I don't miss to visit the boutique as my stay would not be successful without spending time in this hot spot of the Roman craftsmanship. The silverware, the original business of Bulgari, is not its core business anymore and it becomes clearly evident when we consider the lay-out of the boutique. Jewelery and leather goods occupy the main rooms without forgetting the watches  which are now one of the pillars of Bulgari's growth ambitions.

During my visit, I selected several watches that show the vitality and creativity of the brand. Bulgari has invested to build the vertical integration of the production tool and to get the means to succeed. The last in-house movements  including the automatic caliber with micro-rotor which powers the thinnest automatic watch in the world are the result of this strategy. I invite you to discover my representative selection of the numerous facets of the Bulgari collection.

The 10 Via Condotti is a mythical place!




We reach  the Spanish Steps from the Corso thanks to the Via Condotti. So even if we are reluctant to these streets occupied by luxury boutiques and dedicated to shopping, the walk on the Via Condotti is highly recommended because it allows to get closer to the  Barcaccia fountain while enjoying the view of the stairs of the Trinita dei Monti church:




I could only begin this selection with a Bulgari Roma ... and with the most prestigious of them, the Bulgari Tourbillon Finissimo Roma. This elegant watch with a 41mm diameter is characterized by its typical bezel and offers a flying tourbillon with a ball bearing system. The BVL 268 caliber movement is currently the thinnest tourbillon in the world. Thus, the case has a high diameter / thickness (5,15mm) ratio  giving a sleek style to the watch. Despite the finesse of the case, the show offered by the tourbillon is very pleasant to watch and doesn't lack any feeling of depth in the end. I must admit that I love this Bulgari Roma.





The Octo Finissimo equipped with a micro-rotor caliber is currently the thinnest automatic watch  in the world (5,15mm) for a 40mm diameter. Like the Bulgari Roma Finissimo, it has a very slender appearance and its particular shape makes it even bigger on the wrist. This watch is not just a technical achievement, it is also successful from the aesthetic point of view thanks to its titanium case and its simple and elegant colors range. However, for reasons of taste, I prefer the Octo Roma because I need to feel a thicker case. It is a question of "presence on the wrist".




I operate a radical change of style with the Diagono Magnesium. The yellow color is the most daring one  of the collection. Even though my favorite remains the blue version I think the yellow corresponds to the spirit of the watch giving it a lot of energy and an even more casual side. The Diagono Magnesium, featuring  a 41mm case diameter, uses the in-house movement BVL 191 with a power reserve of 42 hours. I like this simple and contemporary watch (magnesium case, ceramic bezel, original dial rendering) sold at a reasonable price for a brand like Bulgari (3,900 euros in France).




The Octo Roma with brown dial is also equipped with the same movement BVL 191. Its 41mm diameter gives it a nice balance. Its great strength remains the case design, at the same time elegant and dynamic. Note that despite a similar diameter, the Octo Roma has a perceived size larger than the Diagono Magnesium one.




The Daniel Roth Papillon flying tourbillon with jumping hours is a representative of the Bulgari offer in the haute horology segment. Its approach can be considered as opposite to the Bulgari Roma Finissimo one: the case is typical of the Daniel Roth style, it features an imposing size (a 45mm diameter with a thickness of 12mm) and its alternative display distills some originality while highlighting the central flying tourbillon.




This selection, however incomplete, puts the spotlights on the technical and creative capabilities of Bulgari. The recent trend of developments focuses on the thin height of the movements although more classic calibers are not forgotten. Anyway, what a pleasure to try these watches in the historic boutique! It's always a pleasant experience, and especially when it occurs inside the room dedicated to watchmaking which was renovated with taste.

Thanks a lot to the team of the Bulgati boutique of the Via Condotti.

Fr.Xavier

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