At a time when three -quarters of people explain that a watch purchase must be an investment, it is good to remember that it is the emotions and the pleasure that must above all guide us. In any case, this is the best way not to be disappointed. As a watchmaking enthusiast, I am very tired of seeing the networks of videos that give the impression that watches have become conveniences or actions all the time on the networks that have become actions, only as well as financial vehicles. But a watch is something else: it is worn, we create memories with, it provides sensations, it evokes a particular context. It is a personal object with which we have strong relationships.
My last acquisition is the perfect demonstration. I was fortunate to buy the BVLGARI Roma – edition 50th birthday at Verdi Alpi marble dial. I am completely aware that this watch is not the same level of watchmaking content as that of an octo finissimo. I also know perfectly well that her side outfit will be much more random than that of a Rolex. But I don’t care. This is not my subject. By buying this watch, I wanted to get a memory of Rome, a strong link with this city that I appreciate so much, in short, not any object but a symbol.
Already, at the base, Bulgari is a Roman brand. But this is a play that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the BVLGARI BVLGARI collection whose initial model was designed by Gianni Bulgari in 1975 as part of a small exclusive series for the best customers of the house. The BVLGARI BVLGARI was then redesigned in 1977 by Gérald Genta to respond to an increasingly strong demand from customers. The BVLGARI BVLGARI is inspired by ancient coins and is characterized by its particular telescope which is divisive but which also creates the originality of the room.
The commemorative series is available in 4 models: 2 to quartz with a diameter of 26mm with diamond indexes and 2 with automatic movement with a diameter of 38mm. Two dials are available for the automatic version: in Verde Alpi marble as part of a limited series of 150 pieces and in Incanto Blu marble as part of the room which enters the collection permanently. Let us salute the Bulgari approach which offers the same sale price (18,000 euros) for the two models in the automatic version which is to be emphasized.
In any case, for me, there was no debate. It is the Verde Alpi marble dial version which is the most interesting. First of all because it has a telescope with the inscription “BVLGARI Roma” (like the initial model of 1975) while that of the unlimited version is decorated with the words “BVLGARI BVLGARI”. From a historical point of view and taking into account the link that I was looking for with the city, the glasses of the watch with Marble Verde Alpi was obvious. It was not the only reason. The green color also seems to me more consistent with the decorations and the atmosphere that I can meet in the Eternal City. Another element to take into consideration even if it had a lesser influence in my choice: the housing of the Verde Alpi marble dial version is in yellow gold while the one with marble Blue Incanto dial is in pink gold. Note, however, that the combination of “green dial – yellow gold” is found less than that in “blue dial – pink gold”.
In both cases, the model is animated by the BVL 191 Solotempo caliber. This factorial caliber is used frequently by BVLGARI which is good news about its reliability. These performances are back in relation to what the movements of recent design offer because its power reserve is only 42 hours for a frequency of 4Hz. This is not a very serious problem since the effectiveness of reassembly is good. And then there is not much to settle if the watch stops. There is not even a date window. The watch is a three pure and hard agilles. The movement is visible through the transparent background. Its decoration is neat but summary and I would have appreciated a little more audacity at this level for example with a oscillating mass in gold or then a full background engraved. The mention “50th Anniversary” is present on the case, around the movement.
The great strength of this 50th anniversary edition in 38mm is of course the beauty and singularity of the dial and you understood, especially with the Verde Alpi marble. In this context, each watch is unique since the rendering is not the same according to the more or less visible ribs. The visual impact is in any case superb and this green color goes perfectly with the yellow gold of the case. Once put on the wrist, the watch appears as precious and this feeling is reinforced by the polished finish of the telescope. The absence of complementary complications or display is good news: purity ideally is suitable for this dial.
The BVLGARI Roma 50th anniversary is not a discreet watch. In addition, his telescope tends to take scratches very easily. It is not cut to be a everyday watch except by using maximum precautions. I knew it perfectly with the buyer. However, it is perfect for a special event or simply to resume a good dose of Roman atmosphere in the event of a blues. Its diameter remains reasonable and as the telescope is relatively thick, the opening of the dial is measured. This is the reason why the precious and elegant side takes precedence over the ostentatious dimension.
The symbolism as far as I am concerned was total since I made the purchase within the historic store via Condotti. Becoming a customer of this shop was also part of the pleasure. Now, I fully understand that some may not have the same vibrations with this watch. I have the conviction that she finds her interest and that she becomes more attractive, even irresistible if we have a link that I would qualify as intimate with Rome. However, it should not be forgotten that its dial is unique of its kind, that the Verde Alpi marble has been the subject of a unique piece for Only Watch (Octo Finissimo Tourbillon) and that it is a watch drawn by Gérald Genta. It is also the most accessible way to access the marble dial at BVLGARI with a mechanical watch. So, she may be able to seduce beyond the strict circle of customers fans of Bvlgari or lovers of Rome. In which case, if you are interested in this room, quickly because the green dial watch is limited only 150 pieces.
The most:
+ The inscription “Bvlgari Roma” on the Verde Alpi marble dial version
+ The 38mm reasonable and sufficient diameter
+ The beauty of the marble dial
+ The price remains the same whether the version is limited or not
The least:
– the very sober decoration of the movement which would have deserved a more daring oscillating mass
– the rather short power reserve
