Today’s individuals know what they want. Inspired, well-informed and passionate by nature, they know how to pinpoint the day-to-day instruments that are the signature of their personality. They are self-confident individuals whose watch reflects their sense of taste. It is not a fashion accessory, but truly an element of their overall style. This summer, doubtless somewhere between Capri and Portofino, with the woven strap of the new Bulgari Bulgari Carbon Gold smoothly wrapped around their wrist, they will stand out as connoisseurs with a natural flair for the Italian aesthetic vernacular. Keeping pace with the times and being consistently on point is a matter of choice.

With the new Carbon Gold, the primary choice relates to the daring modernity of its material. Bulgari loves to shift the lines and overturn established conventions. Its jewellery expertise enables it to innovate constantly in the field of watchmaking, in terms of design and above all through surprising associations between new materials. A high-tech carbon-resin proprietary composite allied with gold, that most precious of metals, combine to give a very current and trendy twist to the watch. 

A standout model

The 1993 launch of the first in this line was an authentic revolution. Since then, the Carbon Gold has become a horological icon paving the way for all manner of research on alloys and metals, resulting in the most surprising and unexpected combinations. Its contemporary chromatic appearance is matched by a light feel on the wrist and also accentuates the delightful sense of wearing a distinctive and exceptional watch model.

The second choice is all about colours. This summer, Bulgari Bulgari Carbon Gold watches play on a variety of colour combinations through a range of three dials: a black version in keeping with contemporary Italian design; a brown interpretation radiating a discreetly luminous warmth; and a third glowing in a firmly on-trend shade of blue. In all three instances, the pink gold hour-markers are a subtle reminder of the jewellery expertise cultivated by the Maison, and each is tipped by a Superluminova dot serving to ensure perfect readability of the hours, minutes and seconds indications in any lighting. 

A detail of the natural hemp cord and leather strap on the 1975 Bulgari Roma digital limited-edition gold watch

The new interpretations of the Carbon Gold line enable wearers to opt for a distinctive style, beating to a resolutely mechanical tune. They are all equipped with Calibre B77, a mechanical self-winding movement with a date function and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. Its 42-hour power reserve is ideal for an active lifestyle, as indeed is the 30-metre guaranteed water resistance of this model. The slim 3.60 mm-thick movement fits smoothly into the 40 mm-diameter case, an ideal size for a watch asserting a discreet yet pleasingly palpable presence. 

Graphic signature

Today’s man and contemporary woman know their classics and are aware that the inscription 1884, engraved on the small dedicated plate made of gold – the ultimate jewellery material – and screwed to the side of the case, stands for the year Bulgari was founded. They enjoy finding the legendary Bulgari Bulgari engraving on the round bezel. Forty years ago, the Rome-based jewellery was the first to dare to inscribe its name directly on the case, in the manner of ancient Roman coins. This daring style move has been frequently imitated yet never equalled ever since. As well as affirming kinship with the brand, it has become a graphic signature affirming the unmistakably Italian design behind this watch line. 

The strap is another remarkable historical tip of the hat. In 1975, the very first Bulgari Roma issued in a small series and offered to VIP clients of the Jeweller on Via Condotti in Rome, was secured to the wrist by a woven hemp and leather strap. It was fitted to the famous watch with the digital dial much coveted by the happy few of Italy’s capital city. Only 100 were produced and became an easily recognisable emblem among those aware of belonging to an exclusive circle. This watch has become a highly sought-after collector’s item.

For those in the know

Today, for the launch of the new Carbon Gold, Bulgari at last reinterprets this highly specific strap, this time entirely in woven leather. It is fitted with a pin buckle made of PEEK, an ultra-sturdy and light alloy notably used in the field of aeronautics.

Yet another little detail that makes all the difference for those in the know.