Bvlgari Watches

Bulgari Watches: Swiss Craftsmanship with Italian Flair

For fashion aficionados and enthusiasts, Bulgari requires no introduction. The brand is one of the ‘jacks of all trade’ in the industry, offering not just high-end accessories and fragrances, but also hospitality services. From airports, casinos, shopping malls, and resorts, you’ll find the Bulgari logo anywhere and everywhere. A Bulgari watch is also one of the best luxury timepieces around, a combination of Swiss watchmaking techniques and Italian styles.

Bulgari watches are also famous for their diversity of styles, unlike most luxury brand watches that come in a round case. A Bulgari men’s watch, in particular, has different case shapes: from the octagonal-shaped case of the Bulgari Octo to the snake-like elegance of the Bulgari Serpenti collection.

How much is a Bulgari watch?

Bulgari’s Watch Collections

From the most expensive Bulgari gold watches to the most complicated mechanicals, Bulgari watches are a result of years of fine craftsmanship and dedication. Its watch collections are proof that Bulgari watches are constantly evolving and at the same time staying true to their roots.

Prices for the Bulgari Serpenti: The Most Iconic Women’s Watch

The Bulgari Serpenti is perhaps one of the most famous Bulgari watch collections. Hailed by Forbes as the “the most iconic women’s watch”, the collection took its name and concept from the serpent. In mythology, coiled snakes represent immortality as they appear to reincarnate when they shed from their skin, and Bulgari took this piece of inspiration for the Serpenti watches and jewelry.

Bulgari released their first Serpenti models in the 1940s and it gained a steady amount of admirers. However, it was until 1962 when Elizabeth Taylor wore her iconic Serpenti watch that the collection rose to prominence. Since then, it became one of the brand’s best-sellers and has gained a cult status over the years.

Serpenti timepieces come in gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and stainless steel, although newer models also come in ceramic. The case represents the serpent’s head, usually designed with precious stones while the band wraps around the arm. A newer model, the Serpenti Seduttori, lacks the wraparound band, but its bracelet resembles a serpent’s scales. Depending on the type, it can come off as simple or extravagant, but nonetheless eye-catching. Bulgari watch price for the Serpenti collection starts at $5,700 USD, and it can go higher depending on the style and embellishments.

Prices for the Bulgari Bulgari Watches: The Logo Says it All

In 1975, Bulgari released what would eventually become its Bulgari Bulgari collection. It was initially a gift for its top 100 customers but it gained much traction that the watchmakers decided to produce it commercially. The first model for the Bulgari Bulgari collection was a golden digital watch inscribed with “BVLGARI ROMA'' on its bezel. Additionally, the design was said to have been inspired by ancient Roman coins. Needless to say, it became one of the company's best-selling watches.

Its simplicity and practicality make it one of the top watch collections to date. Its round bezel engraved with the double logo is a more traditional look as compared to the Octo watches which had an eight-sided bezel. One of the popular models, the Bulgari Bulgari Solotempo, is a 41mm stainless steel watch that comes with a black leather and rubber strap. Other models come in different sizes, colors, functions, and with different metals.

The Bulgari Bulgari collection isn’t only limited to men’s watches. In the late 1970s, Bulgari introduced its ladies’ counterpart, the Bulgari Bulgari Lady. It comes with a smaller bezel, still engraved with the double logo and comes with a stainless steel, leather, or rubber bracelet. One model, the Bulgari Bulgari Tubogas, comes with stainless steel and a rose gold double spiral bracelet. If you’re wondering “How much is a Bulgari watch from this collection, the Bulgari Bulgari Tubogas costs about $15,100 USD.

Prices for the Bulgari Octo: Elegant Dress Watches for Him

The Bulgari Octo may be one of the brand’s newer collections, launched in 2012, but it is definitely one of the most popular ones. It gained a steady following due to its simplistic appearance and its trademark octagonal shape, said to have been inspired by the Maxentius Basilica at the Roman Forum. Since its launching, the collection branched into different sub-collections: the Octo Roma, Octo Finissimo, and the Octo L’Originale.

The Octo L’Originale, the maiden model, features an octagonal shape and round bezel, along with automatic movements. On the other hand, the Octo Roma has a more contemporary look with a structured case. The cases come in stainless steel, rose gold, or a combination of both. Lastly, the Octo Finissimo boasts as one of the best ultra-thin watches in the industry. The Finissimo watch took the horology industry by storm by continuously breaking records through its newer models featuring complications such as the tourbillon and Bulgari chronograph.

So, how much is a Bulgari watch under the Octo collection? Prices for Octo watches start at $7,300 USD, while the more expensive models such as the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton watch costs around $186,700 USD.

Prices for the Bulgari Lvcea: The Perfect First Luxury Watch for Her

While the Serpenti collection is ornate in appearance, the Bulgari Lvcea is an uncomplicated yet regal collection. The Lvcea collection is targeted towards women of different walks of life: from the avid watch enthusiast to the young professional looking for her first luxury watch. Combining beauty with functionality, it is one of the best women’s luxury watches in the industry.

Featuring an elegant yet unobtrusive design, the Bulgari Lvcea watch is perfect for daily use. The round dial gives it an approachable yet elegant look, ideal for a trip to the coffee shop or a business meeting. Its studded crown is a trademark feature, usually emerald, rubelite, and diamond. Some models also include a date window, discreet and unassuming yet provide additional functionality to the watch. One can also notice the influence of the iconic Serpenti collection on the Piccola Lvcea Watch, with its rose gold bracelet that looks more like jewelry instead of a timepiece.

Starting at $4,600 USD, the Lvcea is one of the more affordable Bulgari watch collections. On the other hand, the Bulgari Lvcea Skeleton 103033 made with baguette-cut emeralds and a green alligator bracelet retails at $110,000.

Prices for the Bulgari Diagono: Trendy and Sporty

The Bulgari Diagono collection is the brand’s line of sports watches and is home to several chronographs and three-handed watches. To create the finest and sturdiest sports watches, Bulgari worked with several automotive and aeronautical experts. Materials used in Diagono watches include scratch-resistant ceramics, motorlac coating (a lacquer used in sports cars), and PEEK (a shock-absorbing polymer used in the automotive and aerospace industries.

Design-wise, they carry the same wide bezel and double logo as with the Bulgari Bulgari collection. Most of the watches in the Diagono collection are made from stainless steel, rose gold, or a combination of both. As luxury sports watches, the timepieces have up to 300 meters of water resistance

The Bulgari Diagono collection is available as a three-hand watch or a chronograph watch. The Bulgari chronograph watch, the Diagono Velocissimo, comes with a 41mm case available in steel or rose gold. Its manufactured chronograph also ensures accuracy to 1/10th of a second, making it one of the best Bulgari chronograph watches around.

Bulgari's Milestones and Innovations

Despite being a luxury brand known for its fragrances and jewelry, Bulgari has its fair share of milestones and unique innovations.

In the 1940s, the brand introduced the Tubogas. Inspired by flexible gas pipelines, the design was made from using a bendable inner core instead of a soldered band. At the time of its release, it was unique as most watches back then had a more simplistic and practical design. Bulgari is also one of the brands that introduced and perfected the use of colored and precious stones on its timepieces. In fact, Bulgari gold watches were an early favorite as well as using yellow gold.

Aside from creating ultra-thin watches through the Bulgari Octo collection, Bulgari also created the thinnest tourbillon through the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon. The company also set a new record for producing the thinnest striking watch, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater.

Reasons to Buy a Bulgari Watch?

If you’re on the fence about purchasing Bulgari gold watches or a Bulgari chronograph, here are some reasons why you should push through and cop one of these famous watches.

1. Unique Designs

Unlike other luxury brands with simple and rounded cases and bezels, a Bulgari watch takes it up a notch by offering unique designs. A good example of this is the Serpenti collection, taking cues from a snake and creating a sleek and elegant design. Additionally, the drop-shaped case and wrap-around band was an unusual design at the time of its release. Aside from the Serpenti collection, the Octo collection, with its octagonal-shaped bezel, is another unique design from Bulgari.

2. Bejeweled Ladies Watches

Not only are Bulgari ladies' watches limited to the Serpenti, Diva’s Dream, and Lvcea collections, but its High Jewellery watches are among the most coveted and most extravagant collections. These watches come in yellow, rose, or white gold decked in rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. The Serpenti Misteriosi Romani makes up for the most expensive Bulgari watch in the collection, costing more than two million dollars.

3. Watches with Different Complications

Bulgari watchmakers don’t only create the most aesthetically pleasing timepieces, but they are also able to come up with complicated and intricate timepieces. The Grandes Complications Watches collection is a perfect example, featuring Bulgari chronograph and tourbillons. The Octo L'Originale watch features a high-frequency chronograph while the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Squelette boasts an ultra-thin tourbillon.

4. Good Value for Money

Most people tend to veer from luxury watches because of their price, but Bulgari watches are famous for their value for money. Made with the finest Swiss watchmaking expertise, the company employs only the best in the craft. They also ensure that you get high-quality watches by having different facilities produce different parts and have a separate headquarters for assembly and quality control. Whether you are buying the most expensive Bulgari watch or the cheapest, you’re guaranteed that you get good value for money.

Bulgari Watches on the Red Carpet 

As a household name in the celebrity industry, it’s common for one to find a celebrity or two donning a Bulgari watch on the red carpet. From the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and movie premiers, a Bulgari watch is a common sight.

At the 2020 Grammy awards, singer Joe Jonas was spotted wearing an ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Skeleton watch priced at $31,600 USD. Actor Matthew McConaughey was also seen wearing a Bulgari Octo Roma at the 2018 Oscars. Meanwhile, musician Nick Jonas also impressed the crowd at the 2020 Golden Globes when he wore an iced-oud Bulgari Octo L'Originale blue watch priced at a jaw-dropping amount of $928,000 USD.

Other Hollywood celebrities who donned a Bulgari watch on the red carpet include Adrien Brody, Jared Leto, Naomi Watts, and Bradley Cooper.

Bulgari Octo: World's Thinnest Watch

The Italian luxury brand changed the horology industry by introducing the Bulgari Octo collection in 2012. Not only is it aesthetically different, but it broke records with its ultra-thin watches.

The Octo Finissimo Automatic holds the record of being the slimmest self-winding watch that possesses both GMT functions and a chronograph. For a 40mm watch, it boasts a total of just 5.15mm and a self-winding movement of only 2.23mm. Priced at $17,700 USD, it isn’t the most expensive Bulgari watch in the market, but owning one of the world’s thinnest watches is a feat in itself.

In 2014, Bulgari released the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon watch, the world’s thinnest tourbillon with a thickness of 1.95mm. The ultra-thin watch also features a mechanical movement, a 42mm ultra-thin case made of carbon, and a sleek black finish.

Not long after releasing the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon watch, Bulgari broke another record with the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater. Declared as the world’s thinnest minute repeater, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater has a BVL 362-Finissimo caliber that is about 3.12mm inside a 6.85mm case. Made out of titanium, the minute repeater is lightweight and makes a better sound diffuser.

Vintage Bulgari Watches

Vintage Bulgari watches are a common find on the Internet and in physical stores. The Tubogas, the initial model for the world-famous Serpenti watch, is a sought-after vintage Bulgari watch. Because of its heritage, a vintage golden Tubogas watch is relatively more expensive than other vintage Bulgari watches. A golden Tubogas costs around $10,000 USD to $15,000 USD while Bulgari gold watches in the Bulgari Diagono collection start at $4,000 USD.

Bulgari Watches’ Colorful History and Heritage

The Bulgari legacy started out in 1884 when it was founded by Sotirios Voulgaris, a Greek silversmith. After leaving his home country in 1881 and spending time in Naples, he opened his first shop at Via Sistina in Rome. Decades later, Voulgaris opened another shop on Via Condotti, which would become the first flagship store of the brand, trading silver objects, jewels, and antiques. He also changed his name from the Greek Voulgaris into the Italian Bulgari. His sons would then join him in running the business and suggested that they focus on creating high jewelry pieces instead.

Along with high jewelry, Bulgari would also start creating bejeweled watches in the 1920s. One of the earliest designs had a rectangular dial framed with diamonds. Bulgari also released a so-called Gentleman’s watch in the 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1940s when Bulgari watches became popular and in-demand. After the release of the Tubogas and Bulgari Serpenti watches, the brand became a favorite among Hollywood A-listers.

In 1975, Bulgari released their Bulgari Roma golden wristwatch, a model which would serve as the inspiration for their Bulgari Bulgari collection. During the early years of the 1980s, Bulgari created a watch unit in Switzerland to ensure high-quality products for its watches. The brand ended the ‘80s by welcoming its sports-oriented watches under the Diagono collection.

From the ‘90s until the 21st century, Bulgari would acquire Swiss watchmaking brands such as Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta. They also acquired several Swiss watchmaking brands specializing in watch dials, the production of steel watch straps, and the production of high-end watches. In 2011, Bulgari became the second-largest shareholder of the LVMH Group after the latter acquired a majority stake in Bulgari.

In 2012, 2014, and 2016, Bulgari broke world records after releasing variants of its Octo watch, creating the world’s thinnest watch. The brand would also release watches for women such as the Lvcea collection and the Bulgari Diva’s Dream collection.

Famous Patrons of Bulgari

A Bulgari watch isn’t a stranger to celebrities, athletes, and other members of the elite. With its intricate and elegant detail and craftsmanship, it gained a loyal following and has been a favorite among the stars. Here’s a quick rundown of the stars who wore a Bulgari men's watch or ladies’ watch.

Elizabeth Taylor

The Hollywood A-lister was among the loyal patrons of Bulgari, owning several pieces and Bulgari ladies’ watches, including the iconic Serpenti watch. The watch, decked in gold with a diamond-laden head and tail along with emerald eyes, gained much attention after it was seen on the set of the 1963 film Cleopatra. It also attracted attention when the public speculated that the watch was a gift from Richard Burton, with whom the actress was having an affair. Elizabeth Taylor’s Serpenti watch was eventually sold at an auction for a whopping $974,500 USD, making it the most expensive Bulgari watch at the time it was sold.

Aaron Eckhart

The Octo collection is one of the most popular collections for a Bulgari men’s watch. With its simple yet functional features, it is timeless and classic. At a screening of his film in Italy, actor Aron Eckhart donned a Bulgari Octo Solotempo 101964. It features a black alligator leather strap, rhodium hour markers, and a date window at 3:00. Bulgari watch price for the Octo Solotempo 101964 starts at $4,600 USD.

Shu Qi

Shu Qi is among the highest-paid actresses in Taiwan and is also one of the brand ambassadors for Bulgari ladies’ watches in China. The actress has been spotted wearing Bulgari jewelry and timepieces for photo shoots, red carpet appearances, and special events. In an interview in 2019, the actress shared her love for Bulgari timepieces, namely those from the Serpenti, Lvcea, and Diva’s Dream collections.

Chris Hemsworth

Famous for his role in Marvel blockbusters such as Thor and The Avengers, Chris Hemsworth is one of the famous owners of the Bulgari Diagono. At the European premiere of The Avengers and at the 2015 G’Day USA GALA, he wore a Diagono Ceramic Chronograph 101987 priced at $25,600 USD. The Bulgari men’s watch features a 42 mm 18K pink gold case with a black ceramic bezel, black dial, and hand-applied indexes.

Tom Hardy

At the 2016 Oscars, actor Tom Hardy appeared wearing a sleek Bulgari Bulgari watch. The Bulgari Velocissimo 102044 has a round case with “BVLGARI BVLGARI” carved on its pink gold bezel. Additionally, it features a chronograph, hand-applied pink gold indexes, and a black alligator leather strap. The price for the Bulgari watch is $21,500 USD.

Bulgari Watches: Versatile Luxury at Its Finest

Without a doubt, Bulgari is one of the most versatile luxury brands. Not only has it made a name for itself in fashion and horology, but also in the hotel industry. Like its high jewelry and other luxury products, Bulgari watches also offer an impressive catalog of designs and functions. From the sporty Bulgari Diagono watch, the elegant Bulgari gold watches of the Bulgari Octo collection to the iconic Bulgari Serpenti ladies' watches, there’s definitely a Bulgari timepiece for every watch enthusiast.