Bulgari

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Baselworld 2011: BVLGARI - A tour of the Bulgari Exhibit Hall 4.0 Part 1

This was my first visit to Baselworld and it was an amazing experience.  We spent nearly two days at the Bulgari exhibit to preview the watch collection including the Endurer All Blacks, a refreshed version of the iconic Diagono 303, additions to Serpenti and the wide range of complications. 
But first, our journey started with a commute from our comfy hotel in nearby Badenweiler, Germany as we made our way into Basel on Thursday morning.  Bulgari's exhibit was located in Hall 4 and our driver was able to locate it after a few moments. 




At first glance I was impressed with the dedicated front entrance for Bulgari.  I did a little research before my visit by reading MTF's coverage from the previous year, but nothing could have prepared me for the actual full experience and size of the exhibit.






Ping and I checked in with the front desk staff and received our guest badges. 




The main lobby area had a simple sign for the Buglari 125 Years of Italian Magnificence display that had been on tour in Rome, Paris and in the near future to Shanghai and Beijing.  This exhibition showcases nearly 100 unique creations from Bulgari's archives.




This was merely the entrance, there was a long two tiered steep staircase leading down to the lower level that leads further to many, many more exhibition rooms, private salons, a full bar and upscale restaurant.  This wasn't just an simple exhibit, it was a mini-sized city with Baselworld. 




As we made our way down the staircase we came to a 4 point crossing with two side exhibits (these rooms were dark but we will explore this later).  Heading straight towards the coat check desk the hallway opens up to a larger display area with corridor walls with large flat panel screens showing videos of the complete Bulgari collection from watches, to leather goods, to the commercials with Julianne Moore.




As we walk past the video screen monitors, the room opens up even more and we're treated to the main watch displays.  Bulgari has a wide range of watches, but this year there is a renewed focused on the 4 main collections: Diagono, Gerald Genta Octo, Daniel Roth Endurer, and Serpenti. 




First stop on the left is the Diagono collection with the classic BVLGARI-BVLGARI logo on the bezel.  There were several pieces on display but the most noticeable was the new Diagono Calibro 303.  Besides the difference in dial color and new choice of a pink gold case on a alligator strap, there were some significant but subtle changes to the Calibro 303 which IMO will be well received.