Lifestyle
Bernard Cheong's 2008 post offers a fascinating look into early luxury watch product placement in Hollywood blockbusters, specifically the Bulgari Phases de Lune in "Iron Man." His insights reveal the meticulous process behind selecting a watch for a character like Tony Stark and the immediate impact on collector interest. This article highlights how a well-executed cinematic appearance can generate significant buzz, even pre-launch, and influence collecting trends.
It was a major task for the newly formed Marvel Grp that looks after its very first film ( Spidey, FF and the rest were made by another majority share holder) to detail the character's tastes and choices.
For Ironman, it will be an ongoing series with several sequels coming up...with the Avengers and Nick Fury.
Just for interest..the watch that was placed was very difficult..Tony Stark is not sentimental, so much that he has his old/first "heart" of glowing energy to be thrown away by Palthrow. So..it was almost NO WAY that he would have chosen a mechanical watch over an advanced electronic type that Stark Industries could have made.
Recovering alcoholic; incorrigible playboy. Prominent philanthropist; big donor to Republican Party. Member since 1963...as in Forbes ranking of #8 (fictional millionaires)...Tony Stark.
It took months to decide ..but with Robert Downey's personal tastes and involvment...he wears in real life..a Bulgari Reserve Demarche in YG.
It was decided that Tony Stark would wear a Bulgari that the world has never seen...not until Basel 2008.
Therefore, even before Basel..the massive..really massive...at only 43mm..but feels much heavier and bigger.. the world premiere of IRONMAN saw before any one else did...this watch!! Up close!!
During filming, 2 watches were used..with Downey wearing at first a YG Diagono Aria with gMT..pictured bottom . Before the RG Phases De Lune was ready..
Then a close up of this increidible piece..of which a maximum of 350 could be made over 3 years..possibly with the very small production facilities of GG and DR at Le Sentier! Now owned by Bulgari.
Personally..I am going to buy the watch after I saw Ironman..hell..it is already being HOT even before it is launched this month with the film....I know quite a few people who also have the AP Terminator..who would buy the Iron Bulgari..its just the fun of collecting and all.
It is exactly, and actually even more buzz than the AP Terminator Offshore..product placement WORKS magic..even with 50 year old collectors like me..call me an idiot!!! After seeing the watch ..I loved it..and was thinking aout it..but after seeing it on IRONMAN..and hearing the buzz around the crowd about wanting to see the watch...now I want one first!
The IRONMAN BULGARI or the Stark BULGARI..either way..the watch is in RG..massive..and is important for many reasons. The Tony Stark Bulgari Phases De Lune!
It is the 20th anniversary of Bulgari.
It is a considerable inhouse calibre with GG/DR
It is bloody well made...and when you do see it...it is awesome..trust me..even for those who HATE the BULGARI BULGARI words on the bezel..sheese... what can I say!?!?
Oh yes...the watch does not look at all like the picture here...what I mean is..it looks MUCH more beaytiful in proportions..the lugs are not intrusive at all and altho it is thick, it has a very typical VOLUME of design...good enough for Tony Stark..the phrase was " Tony gets only the best".
If it is good enough for Tony Stark...and you should see the car collection, the whisky, the furniture and so on...cool..a carefully crafted chracter..right down to the watch.
This is the watch the directors chose for Tony Stark to wear at formal functions...
At Basel..the floor of the display...!!!
The incredibly beautiful movement...and the IRONMAN pitch.
For the first time..I see HEFT, VOLUME and WEIGHT inside the movement as well as the case! Look at the wheels, and the teeth..sheese... This message has been edited by bernard cheong on 2008-05-02 20:56:51
for the same reason I liked the Transformers movie - it is a lot of fun. I certainly noticed the Bvlgari on screen and it looks good. Thanks for sharing Bernard. - SJX
But seriously, cannot wait to catch the movie and see the watch he has on his wrist. Thanks Bernard!
you will absolutely love the film and agre with how weel and tastefully done..the Marvel group has finely manipulated the Bulgari on screen.
Now..that is POWEREFUL product placement!!!
Then you can have an All Black suit too. - SJX
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