Bulgari

A SUBSTANTIAL AND DELICATE IN-DEPTH MAKEOVER

The new interpretation of the Diagono Calibro 303 Chronograph stems from a substantial and delicate in-depth makeover conducted in harmony with the model's foundational codes.  The bezel has been slimmed down while maintaining the double Brand logo engraved on its surface, albeit in smaller dimensions.  The restructuring of the overall face of the watch creates a broader dial opening.

The guarantee of enhanced readability is all the more important in that the Diagono Calibro 303 Chronograph, a watch clearly embodying elegantly sophisticated workmanship, is first and foremost a high-precision timepiece devoted to measuring short times.  The case thickness has been reduced and the lugs have been redesigned in order to ensure enhanced comfort on the wrist.

In addition to the central hours, minutes and chronograph sweep seconds hands, the dial features chronograph minute, running seconds and chronograph hour counters respectively positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock - complemented by a date display at 4:30.  The dial with its individually hand-applied facetted hour-markers underscores the strength of the inimitable Bulgari style signature.
Its complex multi-layered construction plays on volume and depth effects while ensuring perfect legibility of the information and extremely refined finishing.  On the steel version, the predominantly black surface of the upper section elegantly alternates with the sunburst satin-brushed silver-toned decoration and vertical lines on the lower section.  In the steel/18k gold variation, the two dial plates are both silver-toned.

INTEGRATED MOVEMENT CONSTRUCTION

The new version of the Diagono Calibro 303 Chronograph is driven by a mechanical self-winding movement entirely assembled and finished by hand, BVL Calibre 303 (on an FP1185 base movement).  For connoiseurs, its construction with column wheel and vertical coupling-clutch denotes the ultimate expression of horological expertise.  This sophisticated conception prevents the chronograph seconds hand from jerking during start, stop and reset operations, and thus enables a far more accurate and smooth distribution of the chronograph functions, accentuated by striated pushers ensuring an optimal grip.

This refined mechanism is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback and thereby reveals its finishing: Cote de Geneve, circular graining and sunburt satin-brushing.  It is protected by a case composed of 75 parts in satin-brushed steel with polished angles; and a polished bezel in steel or 18k gold depending on the version.  The powerful style of the case middle is distinguished by an encircling design that protects the crown.  The Diagono Calibro 303 Chronograph is thus available with a steel case secured by a black leather strap or steel bracelet, as well as a steel/18k gold version with a brown alligator leather strap.

The new Diagono Calibro 303 Chronograph embodies a concentrated blend of Swiss watchmaking know-how, infused with a perfectly proportioned quest for formal elegance.

would be nice to see a side-by-side shot between the old & the facelifted 303

cheers,
Ed~

Hi Ed,
When I first saw the new Diagono 303 I knew there was something different about it when it was in the display case at Baselworld.  I like how the thinner bezel made it look more proportional than the previous version.  I hope to get a side by side comparison shot when the production piece comes out.
Do you like the stainless version or the two tone with 18k rose gold?

Regards,
ED-209

Hi Ed,

the more proportioned bezel makes the Diagono case more mainstream as it now looks blending in with any other chrono sports watch on the market, easy to the eyes but losing some character imho.

to me, the bezel on the 303 rn't rotatable for any time keeping function hence, trading those exquisitely done bold/bigger letters for mere better proportion seem a bit hard to justify on paper; really need to see them in metal to decide.

the 303s remain a very balanced design and i m still waiting for a special/limited edition 303 for daily companion

cheers,
Ed~

This message has been edited by lien on 2011-04-13 00:36:59

Definitely want to see this one in person, I wonder how the proportions changed with the smaller bezel.  Thanks for the news, this sounds good!

-MW

I like the thinner bezel.  We'll have to check it out when it arrives at the Bulgari Las Vegas Boutique.  Wouldn't it be cool if we could see one during IGOTT2 in Vegas?

Regards,
ED-209

No message body

The contrast of colors and vertical decoration gives a pleasant dynamism to the dial.    I think the watch is more successful on a bracelet, versus the strap.  Nice to see Bulgari offering more models for the watch aficionado.

Cheers,
Daos

I agree, I like the bracelet version better.  Stainless steel for me.

Regards,
ED-209

1. Does this mean that the current 303 is no longer produced or will it still be made?
2. The 303 came with a white gold bezel, is this option no longer available?
3. There was a blue dial model as well, is this now stopped?
4. Is the half gold model available with a half gold stainless steel bracelet?

All in all, I would like to see how this fits on my wrist, since the original 303 sat quite high and the lugs were fairly straight and I did not feel comfortable at all. It is nice to know Bulgari is quick to react, the changes seem minor but the effects may be huge.

Thanks,

KC.

Hi KC,
Welcome to the PuristSPro Bulgari forum.  Thanks for checking out this press release.  Live pics of the Bulgari Calibro 303 is available: Click here

You have some very good questions (I'd like to know if the original version is available too) and I'm currently checking with my sources at Bulgari about the answers.

Which version do you like best?

Regards,
ED-209

The stainless steel version on bracelet looks very good but I have too many dark dialled watches so I would probably stump for the lighter dials. I have been eyeing one of these ever since Bernard Cheong wrote about it sometime back. However when I tried one on it did not sit comfortably so I am eager to check out the new versions. Bulgari is seriously challenging Cartier, in my opinion, for the luxury side of horology and I must say that they are really looking to be a real player in this segment of the industry. With LVMH behind them now, I am sure there will be more serious pieces in the pipelines.

Thank you again for all the diligent work!

cheers,

KC.

instead of the previously balanced 6 o'clock position...hmmmmmm

Hi cosincourt,

Welcome to the Bulgari forum!   I'm checking with my sources at Bulgari to get estimated delivery times.  Which version do you like best?  I like the all stainless version.

Regards,
ED-209

Looks similar to the Sincere edition of the Bulgari 303 Chrono - but the broader face of this version may look nicer. Really want to see this in person. Do you know when it will be released to the general public?

Hi Stryker,
Welcome to the PuristSPro Bulgari forum!  Glad to have you here.  I'll post the estimated delivery time soon.  Which version do you like most, the 18k pink gold/stainless or all stainless model?

Regards,
ED-209

Hi - thanks for the welcome! I definitely prefer the Silver / black colour scheme. I've been keeping my eye on the very similar white gold Sincere model ever since I moved out to Singapore and was thinking about taking the plunge at the end of this month but after seeing photos of this watch I am not so sure. Revisiting my photos of the Sincere version reminds me that the larger bezel does add a rougher more rugged quality to the watch which is quite appealing - so I am once again swaying towards this version (its very limited run also makes it appealing). The slimmer new face is more elegant but might be a little too small for me (will be giving up my 44mm Panerai Daylight to my brother for this). This is another great shot of the SIncere edition:

bulgari.watchprosite.com

Looking forward to seeing this new model in person so I can finally make a decision=)

i too prefer more masculine lookof the original303-on paper

cheers,
Ed~