Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano Minute Repeater Automaton

ED209 · 2011-04-27T23:49:33Z

ED209 reviews the Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano, a minute repeater and automaton grand complication. Discover its unique dial and movement.

ED209

WPS member · Bulgari forum

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ED209 offers a hands-on account of the Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano, a significant piece introduced under the Daniel Roth brand. His detailed observations and video capture the essence of this grand complication, highlighting its unique minute repeater and automaton features.

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During our visit to Baselworld we had the opportunity to learn more about the Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano. I've seen various pictures and reports about this fascinating watch but this was the very first time I was able to handle one in person.

The Il Giacatore Veneziano was introduced in 2008 under the Daniel Roth brand and was the first watch with a movement that combined a minute repeater and automaton complication together. This grand complication can be activated either as a minute repeater by itself, or the automaton, or together simultaneously. There are two pushers on the right side of the case. The 2 o'clock position pusher activates the automaton, while the lower pusher at the 5 o'clock position allows the owner the ability to activate or deactivate the minute repeater mechanism.
Pressing the upper pusher causes the automaton figure to raise and lower both of his arms, which reveals the dice underneath both hands. The dice are randomized and according to Bulgari watchmakers there are over 500 possible combinations. In addition to the dice players' movements, the intriguing detail is the small flickering candle that changes color when the automaton is activated.

Let's take a closer look at the dial. The highly detailed figure is inspired by Caravaggio's oil on canvas painting in 1595 named 'The Card Players'. The base material of the dial is made of solid gold, and the figure's hands, table, candle, and coins are also made of solid gold material. After many hours of artistic engraving and finishing, the dial is then hand painted and fired in a kiln. Here's a closeup picture of the lower section of the watch. Do you see all the little details? Notice things such as fingernails of the hands, and creases on his sleeves. Even the coins have denominations on them. As mentioned earlier, the color of the flame is part of the automaton movement and 'flickers' by changing color from a bright yellow to a dark orange tint.

The hands are blued and are simple arrow shaped for both the hours and minutes.

Here's a closeup of the dial near the 6 o'clock position with the candle with the flickering flame.

The Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano uses the signature Daniel Roth elliptical case made in 18k pink gold. The case measures 46mm by 43mm and has a total thickness of 14.10mm. The manual wind mechanical movement itself is only 28mm in diameter and is 5.80mm thin. This grand complication movement is designated as the DR7300 caliber with a power reserve of 45 hours

But.... pictures really do not do justice to this work of art. It really has to be seen and heard in person to appreciate the fine details. So here's a video I made while visiting the dedicated room that showcased Bulgari's Masterpieces collection. Each complication was displayed in it's own case so we took out the Il Giacatore Veneziano and activated the watch with both the automaton and minute repeater:

The Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano was a fascinating watch and I'm really glad to have had the rare chance to see it in action. I hope you all enjoyed the pics and video.

Regards,
ED-209

Key Points from the Discussion

The Il Giacatore Veneziano is notable for being the first wristwatch to combine a minute repeater and automaton complication, allowing independent or simultaneous activation of both functions.
The automaton figure's movements, revealing randomized dice, and the flickering, color-changing candle flame add intricate visual and mechanical details to the watch.
The dial's highly detailed figure, inspired by Caravaggio's 'The Card Players,' is crafted from solid gold with extensive engraving, hand-painting, and kiln-firing, showcasing exceptional artistic finishing.
The minute repeater's chimes are described as very audible and clear, complementing the visual spectacle of the automaton.
While the Il Giacatore Veneziano is presented as a pioneering combination of complications, it is debated whether it was truly the first wristwatch to feature an automaton, with examples like Ulysse Nardin's Genghis Khan predating it.

The Discussion

radone

Apr 28, 2011

I also had the chance to play with it.

DRMW

Apr 28, 2011

Thanks for the vid, especially the macro. -MW

Davo

Apr 28, 2011

To be honest it's not something I would wear but definitely something I would love to play with. Thanks for sharing the experience!

ED209

Apr 28, 2011

Hi Salman! Hope you're doing well. Thanks for checking out the Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano. Regards, ED-209

ED209

Apr 28, 2011

And to tell you the truth it was your pics that inspired me to seek out the Il Giacatore Veneziano. Thanks and have a great weekend. Regards, ED-209

ED209

Apr 28, 2011

Hi DRMW, I think you would have loved to see this one, the details were very nicely done. Regards, ED-209

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Bulgari Il Giacatore Veneziano Minute Repeater Automaton

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