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Pingtsai's interview with Michael Wilkov, founder and CEO of Cantoni, offers a unique look into the intersection of modern design principles and luxury watch appreciation. Wilkov, a long-time owner of the Bulgari Aluminium, shares his perspective on why this distinctive timepiece resonates with his philosophy of form and function. This article explores how a watch launched in 1998 became a daily companion for a design industry leader, highlighting its innovative use of materials and enduring appeal.
PuristSPro Interviews Michael Wilkov - Founder & CEO at Cantoni & Longtime Bulgari Watch Owner
Michael Wilkov is an entrepreneur who combined his knowledge of modern design with his instinctive business sense to build Cantoni, one of the nation’s leading retailers in modern furniture, accessories and design services. With a team of talented design consultants and locations in Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Irvine and Los Angeles, Cantoni has outfitted homes and offices across the globe and earned a reputation for exceptional service over the past 29 years. A firm believer that great design is a way of life, from fashion to your home, Wilkov believes that objects of interest should be as striking in form as they are functional.
Distinctive Modern Style in Form & Function
His watch of choice, which he has worn practically everyday for the past 10 years is Bulgari’s Aluminium - a modern sporty looking watch launched in 1998. The unique features about the watch consist of its 38mm aluminum case and black rubber bezel with incised double "BVLGARI" logo. The bracelet of the watch is a combination of black rubber and aluminum links and buckle. The red tipped seconds hand provides a splash of color to a black and white dial. To promote the release of the watch, Bulgari teamed up with Alitalia and had the image of the watch painted on the side of a Boeing 747 that flew within the Alitalia fleet for a year. The innovation of Aluminium inspired the design of future Bulgari watches to come.
PuristSPro had the opportunity to find out a little more about Mr. Wilkov’s special Bulgari watch and why he enjoys wearing it so much.
PPro: How long have you had your Bulgari watch?
MW: 10 years
PPro: How often do you wear it?
MW: Everyday
PPro: Was it a gift or self-purchased?
MW: My wife purchased the watch as a gift to celebrate an anniversary.
PPro: What made you choose this watch in particular?
MW: It’s simplicity in design and modern rubber strap.
PPro: What do you like most about the watch now?
MW: It’s versatility and functionality.
PPro: What do you not like?
MW: N/A
PPro: If you could own another watch from Bulgari, which one would you choose and why?
MW: The Diagono Chronograph. It’s bold yet timeless. It’s an automatic watch with a stainless steel case and black ceramic bezel and black dial. And similar to my current watch, it can be worn on a rubber strap with a stainless steel buckle.
Ping, Thanks for the interview. I always enjoy seeing what designers think of design. The BVLGARI Aluminium watch was a trendsetter for the current popularity of materials' fusion. Regards, MTF
It's always interesting to hear what a designer thinks of some other product's design. I have a friend who is an architect who is very conscious of the design on watches, especially their dials. It's always a joy to hear his perceptions and opinions.
Even today, we don't see very often aluminium watches. The watch looks great on his wrist but I think that at his place I would not hesitate to go to the Diagono Chronograph! Fx
Seems like Mr. Wilkov doesn't talk much with his short answers :P Does he have any other watches he wears since he seems not to wear his Bulgari every day? Maybe for his next major anniversary, his wife will buy him another Bulgari such as the ceramic Diagono Chono :) Cheers, Anthony
....is an entrepreneur and owner of a high end luxury home furnishings business but he does know a lot about good design since he selects many of the products himself.
Mr. Wilkov is an entrepreneur and owner of a high end luxury home furnishings business but he does know a lot about good design since he selects many of the products himself.
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