Bulgari Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon Prototype

ED209 · 2010-09-15T21:50:11Z

Explore the Bulgari Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon prototype with ED209's live photos and insights. Discover its unique transparent case, Caliber 8000 movement, and collector impressions.

ED209

WPS member · Bulgari forum

18 replies14194 views0 photos

ED209 offers an exclusive first look at the Bulgari Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon prototype, showcasing its intricate design and transparent aesthetics. His detailed photographs and initial impressions provide valuable insights into a timepiece that captivated collectors at its debut. This article delves into the watch's unique construction and visual impact, highlighting why it stood out in Bulgari's collection of complicated timepieces.

The BVLGARI Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon has finally made it way to the United States! A special collection of Bulgari, Daniel Roth, and Gerald Genta complicated timepieces, including some prototypes, were shown to an exclusive group of collectors. Team PuristSPro was invited to attend a preview of this collection at the flagship Bulgari Boutique at Crystals Mall in City Center Las Vegas.

The first piece I was excited to see was the sapphire tourbillon. Last month Kong had posted pics of the prototype
click here and found it to be a stunning piece. I couldn't wait to see this in person and I was impressed by the 3 dimensional depth of the movement. Not only does the sapphire toubillon use a Cal 8000 skeletonized movement, but the sapphire bridges and the case itself gives it a true 'see thru' movement. It really has to be seen in person to appreciate the depth and visual impact of the watch.

Views from the transparent caseback. This particular piece was a prototype, No. 00 and made in white gold. It felt very light almost as though it was titanium:

The 'BVLGARI' logo etched in the sapphire bridge. I don't care what most think about the BLVGARI logo on Gerald Genta watches, this placement looks great to me:

The signature crown with the polished tips. It provided a solid texture for winding and was very smooth without catching on my shirt when I wore the watch:

One of the coolest features, luminous side markers on the side of the case:

White gold deployant clasp and crocodile strap. I really liked how the skeleton theme was taken with the lightening cuts on the clasp:

At 53mm lug to lug, I was afraid that it would be too large on my small wrists. But you can see that it fit rather nicely

I've got a video coming up and a few more complications. It's really exciting to see these pieces and I can't wait to examine a regular production watch.

Regards,
ED-209

This message has been edited by ED209 on 2010-09-15 23:08:42

Key Points from the Discussion

The Bulgari Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon generated significant anticipation since its Baselworld 2010 tease, with collectors eager for live impressions.
One perspective suggests that despite its clear sapphire interior, the watch's masculine case design might not perfectly harmonize with the transparent aesthetic.
The author initially had reservations about the case's protrusions but found the design and transparent sides impressive upon seeing it in person, emphasizing the need for an in-hand experience.
The watch is praised for its refined, high-tech, and mechanical look, with the skeletonized movement and sapphire bridges adding elegance, though some felt a touch of color could enhance visual interest.
There's a debate about the optimal size, with suggestions that a smaller case (e.g., 48-50mm) could significantly improve wearability, and questions about the appropriateness of the luminous side markers for a prestige watch.
The author notes that the prototype fit well on his wrist despite its 53mm lug-to-lug measurement, appreciating the boldness of the large case for a prototype.

The Discussion

DRMW

Sep 15, 2010

I really like the way they did the lume on the inner chapter ring, overall a great design. Thanks for the pics! -MW

fai9al_429

Sep 15, 2010

Waiting for the rest of the watches ED

MTF

Sep 16, 2010

The BVLGARI Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon has been tantalisng PuristS and other watchlovers since Baselworld 2010. Thanks for the update from Las Vegas. Back in April 2010, BVLGARI teased us with an un-named watch in a showcase at Basel. Our PuristSPro Baselwold report is here: click here The watch had no official name since it had not been decided. PuristS were calling it the BVLGARI Collection Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon. Later, it was confirmed that the watch would be called......er..

G99

Sep 16, 2010

it would be nice for the customer versions to have some colour to the sapphire, it looks faintly bland as it is. best Graham

pingtsai

Sep 16, 2010

...for Bulgari. The design is very cool. I like how they took a "step down" approach to the lugs which I assume contributed to a better fit on the wrist and the high-tech, mechanical look. Thanks Ed for the photos and review. Any idea of price point?

pingtsai

Sep 16, 2010

It's a beautiful watch no doubt and the blue is a standout unique feature. I feel like the watch is very refined and the case design is more delicate and conservative. For me, it's hard to compare the two because although they are similar they are also very different with different personalities and clientele. I like them both for different reasons. Perhaps a bit of color would add to the visual interest of the Bulgari piece but the unique lume feature ends up being a nice surprise.

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Bulgari Gerald Genta Sapphire Tourbillon Prototype

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