While the Roman Empire created a buzz as a viral trend on social media platforms last year, it has long been central to Bulgari. One of the Italian maison’s most iconic models is the Bulgari Roma, released in 1975 and now known as Bulgari Bulgari. Inspired by inscriptions on ancient Roman coins, Roman letters make up the double engraving of the brand’s name adorning the bezel. Now, the watchmaker presents two new editions of its famed timepiece: a yellow-gold version with a black dial and a rose-gold version with an opaline dial.
Measuring 38 mm in diameter and 8.75 mm in height, both models are unisex timepieces. Customers can choose between an 18-carat yellow-gold or rose-gold case with a bezel and crown made of the respective material. Above all, the bezel with its double engraving ‘BVLGARI BVLGARI’ remains the star of the show. Sapphire crystal on the front and open caseback completes the exterior of the watch with its 50 metres water-resistance. For those preferring a more delicate design, the editions are also available with a 26 mm-case and a quartz movement.
Although the dials share the same design, they differ in material and colour. The yellow-gold case is combined with a matte black dial that has a speckled texture and Zapon coating. Meanwhile, the rose-gold model is equipped with a silver-plated opaline dial.
Gold-plated hands indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds in both editions. Meanwhile, the indices are subtle so as to not distract from the succinct bezel. Aside from the condensed Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, golden, elongated bar indices serve as hour markings on the dial. Moreover, there is a date window at 3 o’clock.
The mechanical automatic in-house movement BVL 191, the so-called ‘Solotempo’, can be admired through the open caseback. It beats at a frequency of 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 42 hours. Finally, Côtes de Genève and the golden Bulgari logo featured on the rotor also make an appearance on the purist, elegant aesthetic of the dial, bringing things full circle.
Last but not least, distinctive geometric horns smoothly lead to the alligator strap with its pin buckle. While the strap for the yellow-gold version is black, the one for the rose-gold version is brown. Both editions have the same price: 14,700 euros.
