Jean-Christophe Babin: “Bulgari watches are back”
Jean-Christophe Babin: “Bulgari watches are back”
Baselworld is behind us and now is the time for watch brands that were thus in close contact with the international press and clients to take stock of how they fared at the event.
For Bulgari, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year, the Show ended on an extremely positive note, with the Brand achieving strong results almost double those of 2013. For 2014, Bulgari did indeed present an impressive set of new models that was more extensive than ever before. All in their own way testify to the expertise and the exuberant creativity of the Rome-based House that is active in all areas of the luxury and prestige range.
As Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin pointed out, “We are the jewellers of time and this makes Bulgari a unique brand presenting daring and captivating creations. I think Baselworld 2014 represents a milestone for the Bulgari watch division which is one of the Top 15 Swiss luxury watch brands, but which is still underexploited both by us and by our distribution partners. That is going to change: Bulgari watches are back”.
Meanwhile, Guido Terreni, Managing Director of the watch business unit, said: “Baselworld 2014 will remain a moment of great pride for Bulgari. We naturally invaded the show with an unprecedented number of exciting creations for both men and women. Two in particular were the “heroes” of the event: four years after the previous collection, we launched a new ‘sign’ for women: Lvcea. Intended to become the backbone of our feminine range, Lvcea features a round yet extremely iconic design. This is probably the toughest challenge one can put to a designer. Its personality is firmly rooted in Bulgari style codes, with the bracelet evoking Serpenti and the crown recalling Bulgari’s signature coloured stones. On the men’s side, we have enriched the Octo collection with a smaller 38mm size equipped with a Solotempo calibre, our Manufacture-made movement. It is associated with a new chronograph powered by Veloccisimo, an integrated chronograph movement beating at 36,000 vibrations/hour on an El Primero base. The line is topped by the sensational Octo Finissimo, which is quite simply the thinnest tourbillon movement ever designed and produced: it pushes the limits of extreme slenderness to unprecedented levels. A great week, a warm reception from our partners and the press, and therefore a tremendous success!”
In addition to the world record set with the Octo Tourbillon Finissimo, representing the peak of a considerably developed Octo collection now also including the Velocissimo chronograph worn by Eric Bana; as well as the new Lvcea on the wrist of stellar actress Naomi Watts, Bulgari has introduced audacious jewellery creations representing the core of the Brand history, such as Diva and Berries. And concluding this overview with a clear signal given in the field of horological complications, the sophisticated L’Ammiraglio del Tempo Minute Repeater comes equipped with a detent escapement and constant-force device.
As well as being well received by Brand partners, the 2014 new launches earned unanimous acclaim among press representatives in attendance at Baselworld. The media saluted the extremely consistent nature of the Bulgari range, which was one of those that attracted the most attention this year.
All of which confirms that the 130 year-old Brand is vividly demonstrating its creative verve and evergreen modernity.