Bulgari launched during the Geneva Watch Days three iconic Bvlgari Aluminium: two versions with time and date with grey and black dial and one chronograph with a silver-grey dial. The watches are a modern reincarnation of the ’90s icon. Crafted in lightweight materials, powered by mechanical movements and well priced, the Bvlgari Aluminium Watches are a timeless, genderless, ageless and so on… In a short time, the collection gained recognition with the GPHG’s nomination in the Iconic category. Today we have a look at all three variants.
Bvlgari Aluminium Watch
I am one of those that I admire this collection. Regardless of the latest iteration, of the original model, the Bvlgari Aluminium is a good looking watch that keeps the essence of the Bulgari in a package that is easily accessible for a larger public.
An interesting construction using innovative design, rubber, aluminium and titanium, the Bvlgari Aluminium appeal with fun and sportiness.
For a better understanding of the watches, please have a look at the short videos below with wrist-roll and hands-on:
- Bvlgari Aluminium Watch Grey Dial and Black Dial
- Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph
Construction: complex but light
Bulgari is not only a trendsetter and a record-breaker brand, but it also offers iconic original pieces. Bvlgari Aluminium is built with unconventional materials.
The 40 mm case is built from aluminium. The watch is intended as unisex so it was designed between the more standard/classic sizes of 39 mm and 41 mm.
The crown and respectively, the pushers, are manufactured in titanium with DLC treatment. These small details contribute to the watch extra lightweight. Moreover, the case back also is manufactured in the same manner.
The watch is fitted with a provocative rubber and aluminium bracelet with an interesting construction.
The large black bezel that bears the Bvlgari Bvlgari name is manufactured in rubber – an unusual choice for the front element.
All the surfaces are matt, including the brushed screwed system of the integrated bracelet. The strap ends with a nice aluminium pin buckle with engraved logo.
The Bvlgari Aluminium Watch Collection is a sports piece, a fact highlighted by the 100 m water resistance.
Contrasting, highly eligible dial
Bvlgari Aluminium Watch Collection is distinguished by its high contrast dials. The silver dial presents large painted hour indexes and numerals for 12 and 6 o’clock. The black lacquering can also be found on the minutes and hours’ hands.
The legibility is increased by applied luminescent on the tip of the baton hands and at the end of each hour’s marker. The central seconds’ hand makes a nice change of the view with its red-painted tip and counterbalance.
The Bvlgari Aluminium time and date watches have the Bvlgari logo on the top of the dial and the Aluminium mention on the lower side of the dial plus the S.Swiss Made.S marking under the register. The date window is present at 3 o’clock with a black on white design.
The black dial is printed in white, making a strong contrast against the matt black dial. The luminescent dots at the end of the hours’ markers are subtly surrounded by a red frame.
The Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph respects the same high-contrast theme with a panda dial. The layout uses running seconds at 3 o’clock, central chrono seconds, 30 minutes counter and 12 hours chrono counter at 9 and respectively, 6 o’clock.
The subdials are recessed and present a circular pattern. The markings are printed in white and offer good legibility.
The date window was moved between 4 and 5 and uses the same black on white printing.
Mechanical movement
Bvlgari Aluminium Collection is powered by two mechanical movements: the Ref. 103382 and Ref. 103445 are powered by the automatic winding Calibre B77, while the Ref. 103383 is fitted with the automatic Calibre B130.
Calibre B77 is based on the well-known ETA 2892 and offers 42 hours of power reserve at a frequency of 4 Hz. Calibre B130 is based on another reliable base, the ETA2894. B130 offers the same power reserve at the same frequency. The movements are hidden behind the black DLC titanium case back and there is no available information about the finishes. Considering the price, I expect to see the standard industrial finishes – decent but nothing spectacular.
Final notes
Bvlgari Aluminium is an interesting collection. I like this collection a lot and I am really happy that Bulgari decided to bring this year the Bvlgari Aluminium to light. Fun and affordable, the collection can bring new disciples under the roof of mechanical watches. I am more than sure that Bulgari hopes to steal some of the smartwatches or fashion market and to convert it into the mechanical watches fans.
The watches are light and feel great on the wrist. I know the gloves restrict the entire view of the wrist shot, but I consider it necessary for safety. But I could still appreciate the lightweight and effortless wear of the Bvlgari Aluminium watches.
Bvlgari Aluminium Watch Technical Specifications
Bvlgari Aluminium Grey Dial Ref. 103382
Movement
- Mechanical movement with automatic winding and date,
- B77 calibre,
- 42 hours of power reserve.
Case and dial
- 40mm aluminium case with titanium caseback with DLC treatment and rubber bezel;
- titanium with DLC treatment crown;
- warm grey dial with SLN indexes and hands;
- water-resistant to 100m.
Bracelet
- Rubber bracelet with aluminium links, aluminium ardillon buckle.
Price
- US$2,950.00 / 2.950,00 € / S$4,050
Dedicated aluminium and rubber packaging box.
Bvlgari Aluminium Black Dial Ref. 103445
Movement
- Mechanical movement with automatic winding and date,
- B77 calibre,
- 42 hours of power reserve.
Case and dial
- 40mm aluminium case with titanium caseback with DLC treatment and rubber bezel;
- titanium with DLC treatment crown;
- black dial with SLN indexes and hands;
- water-resistant to 100m.
Bracelet
- Rubber bracelet with aluminium links, aluminium ardillon buckle.
Price
- US$2,950.00 / 2.950,00 € / S$4,050
Dedicated aluminium and rubber packaging box.
Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph Ref. 103383
Movement
- Mechanical thin movement with automatic winding,
- integrated chronograph and date,
- B130 caliber,
- 42 hours of power reserve.
Case and dial
- 40 mm aluminium case,
- titanium backcase with DLC treatment and rubber bezel,
- titanium with DLC treatment push buttons and crown;
- warm grey dial with black counters and SLN indexes and hands;
- water-resistant to 100m.
Bracelet
- Rubber bracelet with aluminium links, aluminium ardillon buckle.
Price
- US$4,250.00 / 4.250,00 € / S$5,840
Dedicated aluminium and rubber packaging box.