Bulgari is marking a significant milestone with exceptional flair, celebrating the 50th anniversary of their iconic Bulgari Bulgari design through four stunning marble-dial timepieces that showcase the Italian luxury house’s mastery of both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary elegance.
While the brand traces the model’s origins to a 1975 digital limited edition gifted to VIP clients – later transformed by Gérald Genta into the commercially available analog version in 1977 – this golden anniversary collection demonstrates how timeless design can continuously evolve while maintaining its essential character.
Ancient Artistry in Marble
The quartet splits into two distinct categories: 26mm quartz models and larger 38mm automatic versions, each available in either 18k yellow or rose gold configurations. The rose gold models feature striking blue marble dials and join the permanent collection, while the yellow gold pieces with green marble dials are limited to 150 pieces each, making them the true anniversary commemoratives.
Material selection proves particularly inspired here. The rose gold watches showcase two different blue marble varieties – “Azzurro Infinito” for the smaller model’s pale, ethereal blue, and “Blu Incanto” for the automatic version’s deeper, more dramatic hue. Meanwhile, the limited-edition yellow gold pieces feature “Verde Alpi” marble, the same distinctive dark green stone that Bulgari used for their piece-unique Octo Finissimo Tourbillon at Only Watch 2023.
The beauty of marble dials on Bulgari Bulgari watches lies in their perfect synergy with the design’s DNA. Since the model’s signature double-engraved bezel already provides the brand identification, the dial remains refreshingly clean – no text interrupts the natural stone patterns, allowing each marble’s unique striations and organic beauty to take center stage. Diamond-set hour markers on the 26mm versions add sparkle without overwhelming the stone’s natural elegance.
Geological Beauty
Beneath these geological masterpieces lies solid horological foundation. The 26mm models house reliable Swiss quartz movements providing precise two-hand timekeeping, while the 38mm versions feature Bulgari’s in-house Caliber BVL 191 “Solotempo” automatic movement.
Running at 28,800vph with 42-hour power reserve, this movement forgoes the date complication found on standard Bulgari Bulgari models, creating symmetrical dial layouts that complement the marble’s natural patterns.
The anniversary models receive special treatment through their “Bvlgari Roma” bezel engravings – a direct homage to the original 1975 pieces rather than the standard double “Bvlgari” inscription. This subtle distinction marks these watches as genuine commemoratives while maintaining visual elegance.
Construction quality matches the premium positioning, with sapphire crystals protecting all dials and appropriate water resistance ratings (30m for quartz, 50m for automatic models). The smaller versions feature solid casebacks, while the automatics offer display windows showcasing the BVL 191 movement’s finishing.
Perhaps most refreshing is Bulgari’s pricing approach. Despite their limited-edition status, the yellow gold models cost exactly the same as their rose gold counterparts: $12,800 for 26mm quartz versions and $17,000 for 38mm automatics. This absence of arbitrary limited-edition premiums feels genuinely customer-focused in an industry often criticized for inflated special edition pricing.
The marble dial trend has gained significant momentum recently, but Bulgari’s approach feels authentically Italian rather than merely fashionable. These pieces represent natural luxury meeting horological heritage, creating timepieces that honor five decades of design evolution while pointing toward the next chapter of this iconic collection’s story.
