ExclusiveOne In A Hundred: Three Ethos-Exclusive Special Edition Bulgari Timepieces

An extraordinary exhibition of contemporary art, the bevy of beauties that comprise the Bulgari watch universe blend dolce vita and creativity seamlessly. Presenting three such novelties from the Octo, Lvcea and Serpenti collections, Bulgari brings forth a poetically seductive trifecta exclusively through Ethos in India. Retaining the design architecture and timeless etherealness of the ancient Greco-Roman traditions, juxtaposed with a classical yet futuristic aura, these timepieces are unequivocally Bulgari.

The Parable Of Bulgari

Deeply fascinated by 2,700 years of the ancient Roman culture of complex designs and magnificent jewels, Bulgari holds an affinity to pay homage to the integral bond with its hometown, Rome. One of the oldest Italian luxury brands, the foundation of Bulgari was cemented in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari as a jewellery shop, situated in Rome on Via Sistina. This was succeeded by more brick-and-mortar boutiques that coexisted for years. The eclectic Bulgari kingdom was initially only about silver, antiquities and fine oriental objects. It later made strides with the introduction of fine jewels in the assortment in 1915. Presently, this venerated LVMH brand divulges in the creation of avant-garde jewellery, watches, fragrances, accessories as well as leather goods. Tantamount with exuberant and audacious surprises, Bulgari’s timekeeping cohort adorn rich and powerful colour palettes, intensify a gemstone’s aesthetic intricacies, and break free from conventions.

Bulgari Lvcea

A young and glamorous collection—launched in 2014—the Lvcea range is an ode to modern femininity. Credited for the revival of the cabochon cut for high-quality gemstones, the Lvcea watches serve as a testament to the emblematic craftsmanship and Italian excellence offered by the casa. This timepiece echoes Bulgari’s jewellery-making heritage with the blue lacquered dial enriched with guilloché soleil treatment, set with 11 diamond indexes and a date window at three o’clock. Powered by a mechanical movement with automatic winding, this special edition timepiece is crafted in a 32mm steel case with an 18-karat rose gold bezel, which is bejewelled with 43 diamonds. An angled view reveals the 18-karat rose gold crown set with a pink cabochon-cut stone and diamond. The steel and 18-karat rose gold bracelet adds further glimmer.

Bulgari Octo

Launched in 2012, the Bulgari Octo repertoire for men is characterised by its groundbreaking ultra-slimness, octagonal cases, powerfully sculptured design and for breaking records time and again. Presenting an archetype of complex form, sophisticated lines and contemporary perspective reflected in the faceted case, the stimulus of the Bulgari Octo watches is the architectural harmony of Rome.

The fully proportioned Octo timepieces play with geometry and light, and manifest the Italian quintessence of style. One such au courant timepiece is the Octo Finissimo Squelette, which, for the first time, sports a titanium bracelet featuring black diamond-like carbon (DLC) treatment.

Executed with a sleek, matte, all-black finish, the 40mm extra-thin titanium case with black DLC coating features a crown set with ceramic. The open dial reveals the mechanical BVL 128SK manual-winding movement. Built with a small seconds sub-dial and 18-karat rose gold hands, this timepiece offers an impressive 60-hour power reserve, which is also indicated on the exquisite dial.

Bulgari Serpenti

A perfect representation of Bulgari’s evolution, the Serpenti watch line is emboldened by the all-powerful, fascinating and mysterious snake—a symbol of eternal renewal. An oft-regarded object of desire by umpteen Hollywood divas, the Serpenti sensually coils around the wrist owing to the spirotubes or tubogas bracelet that recreates the fluidity of a snake’s scales and imparts exceptional malleability. Fascinatingly, five metres of gold and steel wires are wound by hand around a spring to ensure flexibility and wearability of the bracelet.

The single-spiral steel and 18-karat rose gold bracelet graces this special edition Serpenti. Inspired by the blue dial and colour gradation of a rough sapphire, the blue lacquered dial enriched with guilloché soleil treatment steals the show. Bedecked with 38 brilliant-cut diamonds, the 18-karat rose gold bezel is set inside the 35mm steel curved case that showcases the 18-karat rose gold crown set with a pink cabochon-cut rubellite. This timepiece is fitted with a quartz movement.