Behold the Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie, the Italian luxury brand’s most complicated timepiece ever. Revealed at the 2022 LVMH Watch Week, the one-of-a-kind watch is one of the finest creations spawned by combining Haute Horlogerie and High Jewelry and fusing it with distinct Italian styling. Covered entirely in precious gemstones and equipped with a four-gong Westminster chime with automatic winding regulated by a tourbillon, this horological masterpiece to nine months to be created by one master-watchmaker.
Bulgari’s new Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie closely follows the all-diamond version in its jewel-encrusted case design. The watchmaker’s signature Octo Roma case design has been adapted specifically for the creation. The white gold case measures 44mm x 15.42mm, making it big enough to accommodate a host of complications. The unique piece is swathed in 446 baguette-cut Zambian emeralds and diamonds totaling over 30 carats. The bright green emeralds are set on top of the bezel for them to be seen and admired from not just to top but also the sides. The octagonal crown is also set with diamonds on the side, while a large rose-cut diamond sits on its tip.
The dial is completely bathed in diamonds of various sizes set in a sunburst pattern originating from the center. The two semicircular sub-dials at 1 and 4 o’clock indicate the power reserve of the chiming mechanism and the power reserve of the watch. The timekeeping markers, Arabic numerals, and hands are finished in green to match the color of the Zambian emeralds.
Housed inside the case is Bvlgari’s mechanical tourbillon-regulated automatic BVL 703 caliber with Grande and Petite Sonnerie. The movement is made of 732 individual components and features a 4-hammer Westminster chime, minute repeater, and a power reserve indicator for the striking mechanism. The sapphire caseback of the timepiece offers a glimpse of the horological piece of art. The bespoke watch is paired with a vibrant green alligator strap to complement the emeralds on the bezel and features a white gold folding clasp set with four rows of baguette-cut diamonds. The Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie is a one-off piece and is priced at 1.6 million euros (about $1.8 million).
