The new case measures 23 mm, teamed as ever with its highly inventive bracelet. This baby sister clearly lives up to the reputation of its luminous family, since Piccola Lucea is first and foremost a tribute to light. This 21^st century sundial reflects the culture of Ancient Rome to exalt the measurement of time on a woman’s wrist with a blend of beauty and sensuality, ease and facility.

These important principles remain at the very core of Bulgari design. A watchmaking echo of the jewellery collections from the Roman Maison, Piccola Lucea benefits from Bulgari’s perfectly mastered skill in working with precious metals, notably inherited from the famous Serpenti bracelets with their sensual, flowing design. With Lucea, the art of the watch bracelet finds a new form of expression, notably thanks to the extremely ingenious link fastening and articulation system. 

One of the most important challenges lay in overcoming the permanent tension between suppleness and rigidity by striking the perfect balance between these two qualities. The aim was that the bracelet composed of highly technical links should ensure a firm hold for the watch as well as absolute comfort on the wrist. Lucea is not a jewel that tells the time, but instead a watch that women love to wear on all occasions throughout their active days, while also keeping it on for festive occasions. This joyful and delightful dimension is underscored by the pink gold cabochon that lends a sparkling touch to the crown and further enhances the shimmering glow of the round case.  The change of size implies a certain restraint in terms of the dial, so as to ensure that its purity and controlled light effects safeguard perfect readability of the time in every circumstance. In parallel, the most significant creative effort has been devoted to the design of the watch itself. Bulgari has taken great pleasure in taming the play of light and shade over the case, dial, bracelet lugs, as well as the way in which it glints off the links. 

PATHS OF LIGHT

It is precisely the contrasts between shadows and light that can deepen or raise shapes, as designer Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani points out. Finding the right paths of light is a fascinating task. Born of a passion for light and for time, the Lucea watch is dedicated to amorous seduction. Its magnetic charm is intensified by its new, universally graceful size that can be appreciated the world over. 

For Bulgari, faced with increasingly strong demand for small-diameter watches, it was entirely logical to create a timpiece that was not merely a downsized version of an existing one. Piccola Lucea is an all-new model. The complete rethink and redesign process involved every line and every component. It thus adapts in an unmistakably modern way to women around the world, meeting classic and traditional aspirations, as well as the contemporary desires of elegant, active urban women. With a smaller-sized watch, today’s woman demonstrates her attachment to the horological heritage of yesteryear, as well as her desire to make her watch a contemporary style element – because the Piccola Lucea watch is one of her weapons of seduction just like her jewellery.

Its interlocking-link bracelet system enables a number of combinations, whether a discreet diamond setting to underscore its femininity, or an entirely paved interpretation. Piccola Lucea treats itself to the supreme luxury of personalisation, making it a small watch with a potent seductive appeal.