When the Bvlgari Aluminium was first introduced in 1998, it was regarded as an enfant terrible thanks to its unorthodox construction. Two unlikely materials, namely aluminium and rubber, were used for the watch, the former for the case and the latter for the bezel and strap. Whether or not the watch industry embraced the Bvlgari Aluminium was beside the point as the watch’s popularity grew amongst the ultra-cool folks thanks to its highly graphic and modernist look and genderless appeal. The Bvlgari Aluminium was an icon in the making, and was rightfully recognised in 2020 when the revamped Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph was awarded the GPHG Iconic Watch Prize. With the winds of momentum firmly in the sails of Bvlgari, the watchmaker recently released a trio of Bvlgari Aluminium collections that play on the colours of summer.
For the Cool Cats
While the fan-favourite panda (white dial, black registers) chronograph execution has served the Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph well all these years, Bvlgari has launched a black dial version as a sophisticated alternative. Hints of white, as seen on the hour indexes and chronograph counters, remind people of the watch’s sporty nature, although that is entirely up to its wearer to define. Fans of the panda version will be equally pleased to know that they are not forsaken, as Bvlgari tweaked the watch slightly with welcoming updates, the most notable of which are the materials. Aerospace-grade 6028-aluminium alloy and FKM rubber – the most durable rubber used in watchmaking are introduced. The watch case has also been reconstructed to 41mm from 40mm to fit the new calibre B381.
Colours of the Ocean
In a fitting tribute to the brand’s Italian roots, Bvlgari releases the Bvlgari Aluminium Capri to celebrate the picturesque Mediterranean Sea. Inspired by the bay of Naples and the unique blue shade of the Tyrrhenian Sea, the collection features a blue gradient dial evoking the colours of the sea. The black elements on the classic Bvlgari Aluminium, mainly on the bezel, hour indexes and strap, also make way for blue.
Flipping the watch over reveals an engraving of Capri’s Faraglioni as an ode to the inspiration. The Bvlgari Aluminium Capri collection, limited to 1000 pieces each, is available in the Solotempo (time and date) and chronograph as fitting companions while exploring Capri with a glass of limoncello in hand.
Match Point
After the sea comes the lush greens as the 800-piece limited edition Bvlgari Aluminium Match Point Edition embraces tennis lawns. The creation is a nod to the tennis community, who for long had a strong affinity with the Bvlgari Aluminium. As you would expect, the majority of the Bvlgari Aluminium Match Point Edition is decked in green and evokes collegiate cool with its white dial and silvery aluminium case. Beyond the collection’s general aesthetics, it spots an unusual left-hand crown designed to protect the crown from ball contact when it is worn on the left wrist (assuming the wearer is right-handed). A functional velcro strap serves as the finishing touch, ensuring you serve up aces on centre court or in the clubhouse.
Once you’re done with this story on the Bvlgari Aluminium click here to catch up with our June/July 2023 issue!
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