Bulgari

Extreme technical sophistication: the Tourbillon Chrono Rattrapante, Calibre DR 8300,
is a concentrated blend of fine watchmaking elements combining the most sophisticated short-time measuring device with a Tourbillon regulator.
The mechanism, housed in its rose gold double-ellipse case, is equipped with a split-second chronograph function displayed by the two central seconds hands:the classic chronograph hand and the superimposed split-second hand.  When the chronograph push button is activated, the two hands begin running at the same time and are perfectly synchronised.
Stopping and resetting brings them both to a halt and repositions them.  Thes plit-second
 function is separately activated when, once the central seconds hand has been started,
 the additional co-axial push button on the crown is activated, thus stopping the split-second hand while the chronograph hand continues running.  A second press on the split-second push button brings the split-second hand back over the chronograph hand, and the two hands continue to run thus, one on top of the other, until a third press on the co-axial push button stops the split-second hand again.  This device serves to measure short times in events involving several competitors, such as a track race, since one can stop
the split-second hand upon the arrival of each runner, thus facilitating observation,
 before the temporarily stopped hand “makes up” for the time it has spent motionless.

This fine traditional mechanism is coupled with the ultimate regulating organ, the Tourbillon.  Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, this device serves to compensate for the differences in rate resulting from the effect of gravity when the watch is in a vertical position.

In order to counteract these negative effects, Breguet had the idea of making the regulating organ rotate at a rate of one revolution perminute in such a way that it moves  through all possible positions, thereby compensating for the differences in rate stemming from the various positions and thus enabling the watch to display a regular mean rate.

The quest for enhanced precision is the chief characteristic of the functions
of the Tourbillon Chrono Rattrapante.  They appear on its elegant split-level dial of which the pure white upper part carries the Tourbillon regulator.  The black gold treated surface of the lower part is vertically satin-brushed and bears the time indications: hours and minutes on a small subdial at 7 o’clock, 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock, and power-reserve at 5 o’clock.  The central seconds hands serving to display the split-second function are distinguished by their colours: gold-plated for the chronograph hand,and blued for the split-second hand.

This creation presents an extremely beautiful and rare combination that is bound to appeal to informed connoisseurs.  A genuine measuring instrument and as tunning example
 of Fine Watchmaking.


Tourbillon Chrono Rattrapante, Calibre DR 8300 in a nutshell:

Mechanical hand-wound movement, Tourbillon regulator, split-second chronograph, date and power-reserve, Côtes de Genève and circular-grained finishing; 21,600 vph, 48-hour power reserve.
46 mm double ellipse case in 18-carat rose gold, crown and pushers in 18-carat rose
gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback, water-resistant to 30 metres.
Convex split-level white lacquered and satin-brushed dial.
Alligator leather strap fitted with a triple-blade folding clasp in 18-carat rose gold.

Did you need to write "Tourbillon Rattrapante" "Cal 8300" all on the dial?  It was shaping up to be such a nice watch....


A

Hi Aaron,
Besides the writing on the dial, how do you like the layout with the visible tourbillon at 11 and chrono 8 position?  And the shape of the hands?

Regards,
ED-209

I'd like it more without the PR I think but I do like the time dial down at 8 o'clock and the two colors/textures of the dial.  I'd a bit undecided on the design of the tourbillon, I like the curves of the cage but I can't decide about the bridge and how it fits into the cutout of the white dial.
a

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developed before the reorganisation of the brands. I look forward to seeing the other watches yet to come.

- SJX

Hi SJX,

Yes, I think we're all glad to see that Bulgari made a great choice to continue with the pipeline of products from both Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta.  The collections both continue the brand DNA that Mr. Trapani spoke about back in January.

Can't wait to see these in person!

Regards,
ED-209
This message has been edited by ED209 on 2010-03-22 19:39:55

like most other manufacturer such as Franck Muller has done?

It's not often you see an off centered tourbillon dial design but I think I like this one. 

Great job Bulgari!

Cheers,
Anthony

Vte

Beautiful design. Aaron is right, there could have been less writing on the dial (although the BVLGARI logo itself is very tastefully positioned and sized). But to me that's not a major quibble.

Tourbillon rattrapante - that's got me thinking. Don't see many of them around. Some Grand Comps from the likes of AP, IWC and Blancpain; who else? I'm not even sure that Patek has one of these. I'd love to know what the movement base is (and even better, see the back of the watch).

Cheers
Tony P

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