ED209[Purist]
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Evolution of the Bulgari Diagono 303 and a few answers
Apr 14, 2011,20:22 PM
The new Bulgari Diagono
303
First, a few answers to the questions about the
new Diagono 303 that was introduced at Baselworld
2011:
1. Will the original Calibro 303
still be produced? It will be replaced by the new generation
Calibro 303 introduced this year at Baselworld
2011
2. Is the new 18k ping gold/stainless
steel version available with a two tone bracelet? Not at this
point in time during the 2011 launch
And the big
question:
3. When is the expected delivery of
production pieces? The new Diagono CALIBRO 303 expected
delivery is July 2011. That's just a few months
away.
Our fellow moderator Kong had a great in-depth
report on the Bulgari watchmaking and manufacturing capabilities
from dial manufacturing at Cadrans
Design (acquired in
2005) to case manufacturing at H. Finger SA (acquired in
2007) to bracelet manufacturing at Prestige D'Or SA, all coordinated to
build the Calibro 303:
Please click here
The case of
the Bulgari Diagono 303 is made of 75 hand assembled components and the
bracelet comprises of 106 components. The movement used is
continued from the original, a FP1185 based movement and is named as
BVL303. It has an integrated chronograph movement with column
wheel and vertical clutch and is composed of 303 components (hence the
name Calibro 303).
The original Diagono 303 was introduced in 2008 (pictured
below):
Quickly followed by a Sincere Watch Limited Edition in 2009
with a darker colored dial (100 pieces). Here's a pic taken by
Kong of the Sincere LE version:And in 2010
a blue version was added to the collection. Of the various
colored dials, the blue is my absolute favorite. Paired with
the blue strap makes for a very versatile watch that can be sporty but
also dressy:
And the
refreshed version for 2011. As mentioned in the press release,
the bezel (which retains the signature BVLGARI-BVLGARI logo) has been
slimmed down slightly which opens up dial. The date has been
moved over from 6 o'clock position to 4:30. Personally I like
the date at 6 because I prefer the details of a window framing the
date. I'm also not a fan of date displays that partially shows
the date before and after.
On the other hand, I can understand
the reasoning for moving it to 4:30 as it frees up the chronograph
subdial and makes it easier to read. Here's a pic (taken by
Jonathan aka Z3) of the two toned 18k ping gold and stainless steel
version:
And one of the important factors for me is the redesigned
lugs which is angled downward to make for a better fit and provide
improved comfort when worn. The case itself is also slimmed
down to 11.90mm. Here's a pic taken by Kong of the of the
original case:
And a comparison to the latest version (pic taken by Z3)
which definitely shows the angled lugs and slimmer case. I
can't wait to get my hands on both pieces to do a side by side
comparison of the two
versions.
Regards,
ED-209
Comments:
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Evolution of the Bulgari Diagono 303 and a few answers
By: ED209 : April 14th, 2011-20:22
The new Bulgari Diagono 303 First, a few answers to the questions about the new Diagono 303 that was introduced at Baselworld 2011: 1. Will the original Calibro 303 still be produced? It will be replaced by the new generation Calibro 303 introduced this y...
thx & looking forward seeing them soon!
By: lien : April 14th, 2011-22:25
it proves how strong the original design was, hard to decide which is prettier! personally i luv more the masculine look of the original Cheers, Ed~
re: Evolution
By: DRMW : April 14th, 2011-23:15
Thanks for the info Ed, the blue dial looks great. Look forward to seeing them in July. -MW
Many thanks ED! Since the older version is to be discontinued
By: kesharoo : April 15th, 2011-03:32
It simply means we have a small window to see the 2 watches together to make a comparison. Personally I am torn between the supposedly better comfort over the balanced look of the date window in the older version. I wonder if Bulgari could be persuaded to...
I haven't seen the new 2011 Bulgari Diagono 303 yet
By: AnthonyTsai : April 22nd, 2011-15:28
but just from looking at your pictures, I prefer the date at 6 o'clock because it offers better symmetry and gives the watch a cleaner look IMO. I've always preferred the date window at 3, 6 o'clock instead of the 4:30 position. The angled lugs of the new...
Very nice!
By: Davo : April 23rd, 2011-00:18
Handsome looking dial. Thanks for posting.