Review
Bernard Cheong's 2008 post introduces the Bulgari Diagono Calibro 303, a watch that defied his expectations for conventional timepieces. This article explores why Cheong considers this chronograph a strong contender against established luxury sports watches, highlighting Bulgari's exceptional metalwork and strategic collaborations in watchmaking.
Very rarely am I excited about "more conventional " watches, but there are times when I come across something that I must share.
Usually it would be some way out wristwatch from over the horizons of imagination.
And with some 6 digit price tag to boot.
But no...the Bulgari Caliber 303 is one watch that is a 100% alternative contender to take on the AP Offshore, the Rolex Daytona and any chronograph with ruggen intentions upto and above $20,000 in US currency.
I never expected this to come from Bulgari...but then, so many things are happening so fast in the watch world.
Multiple disciplines of metal finish are used to demonstrate Bulgari's aptitude and skill in metal work...among the best in the world.
There is no doubt that Bulgari reached deep into its labor department for the kind of men and women who knew how to create the kind of jewelry Bulgari is famous for.
The link with Gerlad Roden's team at DR and GG to create some incredible watchworks are amazing.
Like Cartier and Harry winston, these powerful houses are using their muscle to create some fantastic watches with some great watch makers.
Unlike "pure" watch makers..they have a team of jewelry craftsmen, who are able to use their experience with metal work to create some masterful pieces of work with the cases, dials, movement parts, bracelets..their taste for perspectives are unlike classical watchmakers.
Even the multi layered dial..it is an incredible sight...when I first saw this at Basel..I thought it would be priced at 3x the asking price...I was wrong.
The estimated price in July 2008.
Amazing..for the quality of the watch, the piece is a mass of beautifully cut steel and white gold. massive. heavy and I always wanted to find a watch with a bracelet that appealed to me. This one did.
The family of the new Diagono series...look out for the Diagono GMT!!!
Solid gold Diagonos...
For such a watch, thepuristspro group could not simply "sit back".
Here, we joined Bulgari's team to travel thru SE Asia to show and tell more about the amazing Calibro 303.
Here are some of the collectors in Thailand who came to see the work done by Bulgari...We were honored by the presence of some of Asia's most senior and discerning collectors, many who own Bulgari Tourbillons!
I should be collecting my own watch, I ordered a calibro 303 for myself from Bulgari, and when i do get it in August, I will have a small GTG for our guys here in Singapore.
This was the age at which our own SJX first started collecting watches and namiki pens!!!
So don't laugh. 
Their multi-layered design is nice and the colour scheme gives it a touch of class too. 2 questions : 1) What's the material of the bezel? Is it coated? 2) Can this Chronograph be activated under-water? Kong
But I really can't take the brand being on the bezel. i know its been "that way" but just can't help it ;-) Oh, ad did I say, the case looks solid....wonder about the weight though. Must see this baby in the metal. Thanks Bernard cheers joe
The GMT comes with 3 push buttons, any idea what are they for? Does it come with rose gold case and leather strap? Mike
That is indeed a beautiful watch but i am not sure if its on par with Offshore in terms of popularity and cult status among watch enthusiast but i guess the quality and built is definitely no where lower than the other competitors Thanks for the report, Bernard And that Iron Man watch is gorgeous Regards
Nice watches, reasonable price but not so popular here in Malaysia. I am not sure whether Bulgari diagono calibro 303 can qualify to be a contender of AP ROO. Bernard, I am sure you don't mean to compete in terms of the amount of limited editions produced by AP ROO. Regards Ling
Regardless how well-built (and fair value) a watch is built, rational thoughts seem to be at second place for majority. Brand equity is the key and customer's perception is real. It will be interesting to see how brands can be near or on par (not to say overtake) these few Kings... AP, PP, Rolex,VC. Perhaps a few will be positioning the segment of ' the greatest pleasure from an item is derived from nobody (or a small number) knowing about it"... more than exclusivity or LE. However, with recent
This thread is active on the Bulgari forum with 30 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
