bvlgari

Bulgari Diagono Calibro 303 Watch

Bulgari is getting serious again about making its own watch movements. With ETA cracking down on handing certain movements to competitors and complex movement makers shutting down, all the important watch brands known that they need to have the ability to make their own movements in the future. Flexing their mechanical muscles, brands need to assert that they have what it takes to make complex to basic movements that are reliable and relatively affordable. Having said that Bulgari is due to release is new Diagono Calibro 303 watch that features the in-house made BVL caliber 303 movement. Why is it called that? Because it is made of 303 parts. The movement is an automatic chronograph with the date.

The case is 42mm wide in steel with an 18k white gold bezel (with the needed BVLGARI BVLGARI text). The dial has applied rose gold indexes and hands with a mostly blue half and a silver tone half. Lots of signature texturing and cotes de geneve polish on the dial as well. Nothing super new, but a nice refresh of the design. The watch is matched to a blue toned alligator strap. Price is about 11,800 Swiss Francs.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2010, 303, Bulgari, Bvlgari, Calibro, Diagono, watch

Bulgari To Engulf Daniel Roth And Gerald Genta For Unifed Watch Brand

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In what feels like a strange turn of events, watch brands Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta will no longer be independent brands operating under the ownership of the Bulgari Group. Bulgari has been having financial difficulties for a while. Part of the problem relates to redundancy. Each of the brands that it owns is more or less independent - at least that was the case until now. That meant that they each had their own manufacturing, marketing, administrative, and design arms. This related to how the watch industry tends to prefer to run things. As a solution to the problem, Bulgari is taking a bold step to consolidate its main Bulgari brand with luxury brands Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth. Note that the actual watch designers Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth no longer have a stake in these brands and are not connected to the project.

The future is one consolidated effort for marketing, design, sales, distribution, and manufacture. Meaning that each of the brands will coexist. The reality of course is that they will really cease to be three separate brands with the Bulgari name more or less taking over. The image is of an early Gerald Genta Octa watch branded Bulgari, with the Gerald Genta name sitting demurely at the bottom. This is going to be "new way" for the brands in the foreseeable future. Whether or not this experiment will work to keep Bulgari profitable is unknown. The likely outcome in the elimination of the other two brand names over time as Bulgari assimilates their character, movement complication, and popular models for its own.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Bulgari, Bvlgari, consolidation, Daniel Roth, DanielRoth, Gerald Genta, GeraldGenta, watch

Julianne Moore Newest Bulgari Brand Ambassador

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

In what is actually a highly anticipated ad campaign, Julianne Moore will soon debut as Bulgari's new leading lady. The popular Hollywood actress will be working closely with the well-known watch and jewelry brand (who actually produce quite a few other times as well) in a variety of planned advertising campaigns. The first of which will be the "Eccentric Charisma" campaign where Moore models nude or otherwise promoting the Bulgari Serpenti line among others. One series of images has the actress wearing an 115 carats of Colombian emeralds. These are in the form of a pair of earrings (that look like that have the power to pull ear lobes to the floor) See images of the earrings as well as a teaser video to the campaign here.

The award winning actress will likely help stimulate the brand that is need of such vitalization. As for me, I don't know what Moore is promoting for Bulgari in the above image, but strangely I want one... One of the new collections that Moore will be modeling are the Bulgari Serpenti collection items that I previously discussed here. The Serpenti collection is themed on snakes and scales. Adding an a degree of Egyptian exoticism to the watch, jewelry, and other accessory items. Bulgari touts the new collection as a return to the design aesthetic that made the brand famous to begin with. Plus, the connection with leading beautiful women of the world (such as the always charming and attractive Julianne Moore - the image here reminds me of Boogie Nights, I wonder why...) is a strong tactic in reaffirming the Bulgari brand as a beautiful brand, instead of just an opulent or trendy brand that has become more Bulgari's image as of late. Look for the "Eccentric Charisma" ads to appear beginning in February 2010.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: ad, ambassador, bulgari, bvlgari, campaign, Julianne Moore, JulianneMoore

Julianne Moore Fronts New Bvlgari Campaign

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Celebrity Design

I've always envied pale redheads and their ability to look so showstopping in green. I think my envy just hit a new level with a look at the Colombian emerald pendant earrings that are being worn by Julianne Moore in Bvlgari's Spring/Summer 2010 advertising campaign. The earrings feature detachable Colombian pear-shaped emeralds, weighing 52.86 and 62.32 carats. The emeralds are exceptional for their size, uniform color and perfect match. They were part of Bvlgari's first retrospective exhibition at Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome from May through September 2009.

The campaign, scheduled to debut in February 2010, depicts a lifestyle that they are calling Eccentric Charisma. Each image features items from several of Bvlgari's jewelry, watches and accessories collections. Moore was chosen for her combination of beauty, intelligence and confidence. Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot photographed the campaign at Tony Duquette's Dawnridge house in Beverly Hills. Moore is shown lounging about in an exotic and opulent salon decorated in rich brocades, sumptuous jewel tone satins and plush peacock feathers. Check out a sneak peek video after the jump.

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, emeralds, jewelry, julianne moore, JulianneMoore

Continue reading “Julianne Moore Fronts New Bvlgari Campaign”

Bvlgari Auctions Off Rare Jewelry

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions, Charity

Bvlgari finished off its 125th anniversary year in style at Christie's New York with an auction to benefit Save the Children. To close out its 125th anniversary year, the jeweler hosted a star-studded crowd at the auction house and put 11 incredible jewelry lots and seven timepieces up for sale. Stars in attendance included Morgan Fairchild, Rose Byrne, Jessica Lange and Ricky Martin, who posed with model Esther Canadas. Bvlgari raised a total of $1,546,500 including $270,000 for the diamond Lucea choker seen in the gallery below. The company will be working with Save the Children again next year.

Gallery: Bulgari Save The Children Auction

Multi-Colored Sapphire and Diamond Necklace:

Color change Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring

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Tags: auction, bulgari, bvlgari, christies, rewrite the future, RewriteTheFuture, save the children, SaveTheChildren

Bvlgari Save The Children Auction At Christie's

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Auctions, Charity

Bvlgari's work with Save the Children takes center stage at Christie's New York during a special auction to benefit the Rewrite the Future campaign. The campaign has a mission of providing quality education for 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas. To celebrate their 125 year anniversary, Bvlgari will auction an extraordinary collection of 11 one-of- a-kind jewelry creations and 7 limited edition timepieces. The jewels' overall value is estimated at around $4 million and all proceeds will be donated the campaign.

The collection was officially presented to the public on May 20, 2009 at a private celebration inaugurating Bulgari's first-ever retrospective museum exhibition at the prestigious Il Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome. From June until November 2009 the collection will tour the world's greatest cities, where they will be presented at a series of high-profile events. The international tour will culminate with the New York auction in December when the pieces will be sold at Christie's.

You can also still participate in this important campaign by buying the Bvlgari Save the Children ring which is on sale until the end of the year.

Gallery: Bulgari Save The Children Auction

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Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, christies new york, ChristiesNewYork, rewrite the future, RewriteTheFuture, save the children, SaveTheChildren

Bulgari Group To Lay-Off 50 Employees From Gerald Genta And Daniel Roth Watch Makers

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

The last few months have seen a series of bad-news stories regarding Bulgari and its attempts to survive and adapt to the change in economic times. When things were good, Bulgari started to snatch up other watch makers such as Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta. As I feel the need to be clear, the men themselves Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta are not in some state of bondage, but rather that Bulgari owns the rights to the brands (the trademarks). I've mentioned this before, but I still find it odd that the namesakes of these brands no longer have a place at the brands - and perhaps only a small stake in the success thereof. Nevertheless, if the brand releases a bad product, it will still effect the men negatively from a PR standpoint.

Well, the brands have fine products, but are about to lose 50 employees between them. Some one out there is bound to get pissed at Gerald and Daniel even though they have no part in this. We go back to Bulgari who is attempting to stay afloat by terminating the employment of 50 out of just 130 employees. Over 40 percent of the work force. There will likely be a consolidation of efforts and less redundancy of roles between Bulgari, Gerald Genta, and Daniel Roth. As the demand for luxury watches is currently low, this makes sense. Even though this is bad news for fans of the brands as well as the employees of the companies (especially those losing their jobs), Bulgari isn't in a significantly worse position than other luxury brands these days.

Via World Tempus (in French).

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, daniel roth, DanielRoth, firings, gerald genta, GeraldGenta, group, lay-offs, watch

Bulgari to Cut Jobs & Close Stores as Profits Plummet

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches, Cosmetics and Fragrance

Famed Italian jeweler and luxury goods firm Bulgari plans to cut jobs, close stores and pare down its collections in the wake of a disastrous 45% drop in profits. The company, which was founded in 1884, has seen its watch business suffer badly in the economic downturn, with sales plunging 10.6%, Vogue UK reports. Accessories dropped 1.5% and jewelery, the company's core business, dropped 2.5%. On the plus side, perfume sales have increased by 12%, perhaps an indication that consumers see fragrance as a relatively affordable luxury. Sales in America and Europe were particularly poor, though the Middle East was up by 9%.

The company, a red carpet favorite of stars like Halle Berry, Keira Knightley and Kate Hudson, describes its jewelry as "pure luxury obtained by means of daring combinations, precious materials, purity of design and meticulous attention to detail." "[This year] will be a very difficult year," states Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani, adding that future earnings are impossible to predict. "We don't feel able to give a number of any meaning because the situation is so very complicated." He is no doubt feeling somewhat overextended on the retail side with over 230 locations worldwide.

Gallery: Trouble For The Jewelry and Watch Industry

Tags: Bulgari, Bvlgari, Italian fashion, ItalianFashion, Keira Knightley, KeiraKnightley

Bvlgari 125th Anniversary Sotirio Bulgari Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Bvlgari is 125 years old and is celebrating with a limited edition of 125 watches in honor of the brand's founder, Sotirio Bulgari. Honestly, I can never figure out when to use a "v" or "u" in the brand's name, as they themselves seem to go back and forth.

This Sotirio Bulgari watch comes in gold (either pink, yellow, or white) in a 42mm sized case. It is a stunning design when you first behold it, with elements both classic and contemporary. Most notable are the broad lugs that prominently spread outward. As an homage to tradition as well as pocket watches, the rear of the watch case opens with a view into the movement (covered by a sapphire crystal).

The unique argente dial is completely made by Bvlgari with hand applied markers and partial skeletonization. The hands, in gold, are faceted for an excellent look. Being an important watch for the company, the BVL 250 automatic mechanical movement is highly decorated with a number of polishes and finishes, as well as engravings on gold rotor. It is also a thin movement at about 3.73mm thick.

With an alligator strap and an important name to live up to, this 125th anniversary watch from Bvlgari utilizes every luxury treatment the distinguished brand is known to offer in terms of quality and presentation. It is something that needs to be experienced in person to fully admire. Look for them in select Bvlgari boutique stores worldwide.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Bvlgari Sotirio Bulgari 125th Anniversary watch

Tags: 125, 125th, anniversary, bulgari, bvlgari, sotirio, timepiece, watch

Women's Bvlgari Bvlgari Moon Phase Watch For Baselworld 2009

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

The current economy has not been kind to Bvlgari, both in its watch and jewelry selling capacities. Not to be discouraged, Bvlgari has apparently returned to its roots with new designs that are attractive and conservative, though complex. A barrage of new models will be released at Baselworld in April, and the public reception of these watches will be an indicator of Bvlgari's short-term economic future.

New to the women's line is this updated "Bvlgari Bvlgari" (Bulgari Bulgari) Moon Phase watch. The classic name is taken from the double use of the brand name on the bezel. The dial is mother of pearl with diamond pavé decoration in a crescent moon shape. Opposite is the moon phase display also in mother of pearl. Other than the moon phase display, the complications are simple with just the time and a subsidiary seconds dial. Powering the watch is the automatic mechanical B77 movement, with applied Côte de Genève and perlage polish decorations.

The 38mm case is steel - as the company must remain a bit more modest these days - and is attached to a handsome white alligator strap with a folding deployment clasp. It is a fine luxury watch that is unmistakeably Bvlgari, exactly what the company needs right now. Availability starts in May at select Bvlgari boutiques.

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: 2009, basel, baselword, bulgari, bvlgari, moon phase, moonphase

Cell Phone Straps by Bulgari

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets

This is something I need! A cell phone strap. I know they sell them all over, but I never seem to see one when I'm thinking of it and inevitably my poor phone keeps hitting the pavement, the sidewalk, the tile, whatever! How many lives does a cell phone have, anyway? My little guy is well into the double digits, easy.

So anyway, Bulgari has come out with their own luxurious version of the cell phone strap, made of soft calf leather and palladium -- and a handy feature where the strap part disconnects leaving a cute cube pendant behind for easy reattachment (very handy). They also have other designs available on the website (I found them under "gifts") that come in other colors, along with some darling phone pendants as well.

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Tags: bulgari, bvlgari, calf leather, CalfLeather, cell, cell phone, cell phone strap, CellPhone, CellPhoneStrap, leather, palladium, phone

Bulgari Parentheses Bling Sunglasses

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Those big, white sunglasses are being replaced by darker framed styles, with black and tortoiseshell plastic holding the over-sized lenses in place. White glasses are attention-grabbing on their own, but a less assertive color needs a hint of sparkle to grab the spotlight. Bulgari's Parentheses Bling Sunglasses have the requisite large size in an attractive square cut and are adorned with Swarovski crystals at the temples. They are available in three colors: tortoise/brown lenses, black/gray, or eggplant/gray. The trim is gold on the tortoise frames and silver for both the black and eggplant. Price: $400.

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Tags: accessories, apparel, bulgari, bvlgari, glasses, shades, sunglasses

Bulgari Special Edition Flower Sunglasses

by Nicole Weston (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

The Bulgari special edition Flower Sunglasses hit all the hot sunglass style points of the moment. They have black acetate wrap-around frames, large lenses and are loaded with sparking Swarovski crystals. The flower detailing makes them unique in the bling department, since many other sunglass designs this season took a more abstract approach to their ornamentation. Variations on the theme include glasses without frames and colored frames, like the pair shown here in Bordeaux. The lens shades vary slightly with each color. To get a pair yourself, look for a retailer in your area.