BVLGARI Gerald Genta Tourbillon Sapphire Prototype

Kong · 2010-08-07T00:44:45Z

Explore the BVLGARI Gerald Genta Tourbillon Sapphire prototype, featuring a multi-dimensional transparent case and innovative movement display. See collector insights.

Kong

WPS member · Bulgari forum

9 replies5663 views0 photos

Kong's original post offers an early look at the BVLGARI Gerald Genta Tourbillon Sapphire prototype, a watch that pushes the boundaries of transparency in horology. His detailed photographs and observations highlight Bulgari's creative approach to showcasing the movement, moving beyond traditional open casebacks to a multi-dimensional exposure. This article explores the innovative design elements that captivated collectors a decade ago and remain relevant today.

It is always fascinating and great pleasure to see exposed part of the watch. Watches that attracts, mostly have the typical tease of transparent caseback, progressing to open-dial work and eventually, skeletonised movement.
To drive the visual stimulation further, the magical illusion of movement parts in suspension is next. The image which flashed, was the Ulysse Nardin's Royal Blue Tourbillon (by Christophe Claret) and the Corum Artisans Classical Billionaire Tourbillon.

To be even more stunning and up the ante from the simple two dimensional 'see-through from crystal to caseback', the next bold move is to reach near full three dimensional exposure by unveiling the side of the case. Pieces from Corum Golden Tourbillon Panoramique and Guy Ellia Zephyr were remembered.

To be different, BVLGARI has done a slight creative twist with the side wall view to make the Gerald Genta Tourbillon Sapphire more interesting.

Have a look at the prototype yourself from various angles...

GG Cal 8000, 32.00mm diameter by 6.20mm thick, a manual winding movement, beating at 21,600 VPH (3Hz) achieving power reserve of 72 hours.

Crown still has the signature, instead the rounded tips, they were leveled.

Case is white gold with multiple polished surfaces, and the dimension from lug to lug is 53mm.

Tips of hands and hour-markers on the bezel-side are luminescent coated.

Views from the caseback side ...

Now, the interesting part .... morphing into a UFO when the light dimed ...

Revolving at high speed ....

Each of the Superluminova filled 'hour-pillar' glowing ...

Hope you enjoyed the views and look forward reading any thoughts you may have.

Kong

Key Points from the Discussion

The watch's design presents a fascinating contradiction, blending a space-age aesthetic in its movement finishing and display with elements reminiscent of a steampunk world in its polished case.
The integration of top and bottom sapphire parts of the bridge prevents a 'vacuum' effect often seen in transparent watches, ensuring the movement fills the space evenly from a direct front view.
While the design and ideas are fantastic, the 53mm lug-to-lug dimension raises concerns about wearability, suggesting it might be too large and clumsy for many wrists.
The case side superluminova hour pillars are a particularly cool and innovative feature, enhancing the visual experience and functionality.
The watch's aesthetic, particularly the case and the combination of bridges with sapphire plates, gives the movement substantial presence, making it more successful than similar transparent designs like a Corum Sapphire crystal platinum piece.
The concept of a watch with such extensive transparency is highly appreciated for allowing full enjoyment of mechanical movements, despite potential reservations about its size for daily wear.

The Discussion

VMM

Aug 7, 2010

Would not wear it because of the size but I love the concept. Here is a perfect window to enjoy the beauty of mechanical movements. Very nice and cool timepiece. Thanks. Vte

aldossari_faisal

Aug 7, 2010

such a beautiful piece of art full of contradictions , in the movement finishing and display i cant and don't see it as an ordinary mechanical complication with a charm , instead i do see a movement with the charm of the space age due to the finishing and display and i believe the environment " i mean the dial " which the movement is being viewed from is enhancing this feeling , the case is just another achievement in design here i see the beauty of contradiction in mixing the what seems to be s

chaser579

Aug 7, 2010

an Omega DeVille co-axial sapphire sandwich on steroids. Yeah, I could see Iron Man wearing this Bulgari/Genta. Awesome! Thanks... =:^D

AnthonyTsai

Aug 7, 2010

Wow imagine wearing this watch inside a dark movie theater. People will wonder what the heck is on your wrist! The case looks very impressive and complex. Wonder how much longer it takes to polish/brush this case as compared to an Arena case. Thanks for the fabulous photos Kong! Cheers, Anthony

lien

Aug 7, 2010

quite interesting touch, if they can be rolled to provide some minute time keeping function in the dark ll be even cooler! it has such wonderful see through windows all over, the more moveable parts the better~ another aspect i luv this bad boy is that usually transparent watches look best in the box not on the wrist; in this movemet, the top/bottom parts of the bridge r matched in a way parts fills the space evenly & u doesn't feel vacuum in some area from direct front view, kudos to Bulgari/GG

ChristianDK

Aug 7, 2010

The Design is just woooow fantastic and the ideas are rella cool but the size of 53 mm Im thinking they got the size totally wrong. I imagine it to big and clumsy on the wrist. I imagine it would be nice if it was a lot smaller like a vianney halter piece - xpressive sculpture but much more wearable and elegant at the same time. Well I cant wait to see the final thing.I love the oversized hour markers btw. Very cool. I Have to say the bulgari logo on this watch is just not a credible story. It l

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