If you are not aware yet, Bulgari has been developing and manufacturing exclusive watches since 1920’s. Their watches combine the extraordinary creativity and emotional impact of Italian design with traditional Swiss expertise. They are made to the highest levels of precision and the most stringent quality standards adopted in Swiss watchmaking. During the BaselWorld watch fair last month they introduced few new models such as the beautiful new Octo Steel, their first grand complication for women: the Giardino Tropicale, the very limited Commedia dell’Arte and the classic Bulgari Bulgari.

The New Octo Steel

The contemporary Bulgari Octocollection has added a new model with a powerful steel bracelet, specially designed and manufactured to complement its charismatic appeal. A versatile piece that can be worn with ease on any occasion, this new version enriches a collection for men that is an emblematic expression of Bulgari’s stylistic identity. The very symbol of excellence, the shapely Octo’s harmonic form sets the bar for the world of men’s watches. Octo epitomises the watch made for the Bulgari man: exuding a strong personality, class and charisma, he appreciates architectural design as much as he does the contemporary aesthetic. Also breaking free of traditional conventions, the Octo exists outside typical Haute Horlogerie, seamlessly forging the new.

The History:

Finding its Roman beginnings as a jewellery shop, Bulgari was founded in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari. With passionate skill and vision, he set the stage for Bulgari to become a permanent emblem of Italian excellence. Thereafter, Bulgari’s ceaseless cre- ativity, its formidable history of innovation, and a bold, pioneering spirit have led the name to become legend. In 1905 BVLGARI (guarding the original Latin “V” of the family name) moved to its flagship store on the prestigious Via Condotti, still today the symbolic base for all Bulgari stores around the world. Sotirio imparted his talents for beautiful creations and audacious design onto his sons Giorgio and Costantino, they continued in the distinctive style unique to Bulgari.

Bulgari jewels, immediately recognizable for their powerful opulence, rich colors, sense of volume, and purity of form, soon gained renown among local clientele as well as high-society tourists. The brand came to the attention of the world elite during the flourishing Dolce Vita years, the “sweet life” era of the 50’s and 60’s that featured such names as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn engaged in passionate affairs with Bulgari jewels.

Inspired by the international reception, the Bulgari group began expansion abroad in the 70’s and opened stores in New York, Geneva, Monte Carlo and Paris. It began as well to expand the company vision, diversifying into the intricate world of watchmaking and launching the now-iconic BVLGARI BVLGARI watch in 1977. Its resulting success led watchmaking to become a significant part of the business, and in 1980 Bulgari founded the company Bulgari Time, in the watchmaking heart of Switzerland. In 1993, Bulgari further diversified with the introduction of its first fragrance, Eau Parfume?e au The? Vert, establishing Bulgari Parfums in Switzerland. Growing in scope and size, Bulgari was listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in 1995 – the first Italian luxury company to strategically embark on such an operation – fuelling further growth.

In 1996 Bulgari launched its highly successful collections of cosmopolitan accessories. In 2000, Bulgari’s watchmaking capacities grew with the acquisition of the luxury brands Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta; subsequent acquisitions of firms specialized in watch components solidified Bulgari evolution to a world-class watch manufacturer.

With its unmatched standard for a luxurious lifestyle, the Bulgari Group expanded its vision to hotels and resorts. Featuring contemporary luxury in prestigious locations via exclusive design, the first Bulgari Hotel was born in Milan in 2004, the Bulgari resort in Bali in 2006, the Bulgari Hotel in London in 2012. In 2009 the Group proudly celebrated its 125th anniversary with the retrospective “Between Eternity and History: 1884- 2009” debuting first in Rome, then in Paris, Beijing and Shanghai. To reinforce its long-term development goals, Bulgari joined forces with the luxury group LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moe?t Hennessy) in 2011. The Bulgari Group today is a global, diversified player with a vast luxury portfolio that owes its strength to its deep roots, entrenched in an inspired past. Bulgari designs often honour this history, with refined motifs recalling the art and architecture of its Greek and Roman origins. Proudly representing the exquisite nature that is Italy, the Bulgari name has become synonymous with rich colours, peerless craftsmanship, and a deep history. In all things Bulgari, luxury is its legend.