Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 and acquired by LVMH Group in 2011. While it's more famously known for their jewelry creations, its watchmaking credentials continue to rank higher and higher every year since then. The history between Bulgari and Gerald Genta dates back to the year 2000 when Bulgari acquired Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth along with their manufacturing facilities at Saigenlégier, La Chaux-de-Fonds and Le Sentier in the Vallée de Joux. Today, Bulgari has become a watchmaking force and the new Bulgari Gerald Genta 50th Anniversary is the result of that.
Honoring Gérald Charles Genta — a man that needs no introduction— comes the new Bulgari Gerald Genta 50th Anniversary in platinum with its jumping hours mechanism and retrograde minutes and date. This jumping hours mechanism turned into an icon when Gérald Genta launched his own watch brand under his name in the 1990s.
Things to Know About the Watch
Cased in a generous 41 mm platinum case and fitted with a gorgeous midnight blue sunburst dial, the new Bulgari Gérald Genta 50th Anniversary is the perfect tribute watch for who we think is the most celebrated watch designer of our time. The dial with its striking blue color features jumping hours aperture at 12 o’clock, retrograde minutes arch between 8 and 3 o’clock and a retrograde date indicator at 6 o’clock.
For this particular watch and as a nod to the original Gérald Genta Arena Bi-Retro, Bulgari has left its brand name out of the dial and the case and instead has decided to use Gérald Genta’s vintage logo. The round case features the same design elements that made the Arena Bi-Retro one of the most iconic watches designed by Genta himself.
The watch is presented on a matching blue alligator strap with platinum folding clasp. An absolute treat and a very elegant timepiece that brings Genta back from the grave as the designer passed almost eight years ago on August 17th, 2011. While the new Bulgari Gérald Genta 50th Anniversary is not a limited edition watch, the watch will be scarcely produced by Bulgari within their watch offerings.
The Movement
The Bulgari Gérald Genta 50th Anniversary is powered by the in-house Bulgari calibre BLV300, this 33-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 42 hours. Visible via the display case back one can appreciate the beautifully finished movement with its oscillating weight finished with a vertical satin-brushed finish and bearing the juxtaposed Gs of the Gérald Genta logo.
On the Wrist & Price
The Bulgari Gérald Genta 50th Anniversary wears smaller than its actual size and more like a 39-40 mm watch. Despite its platinum construction, the watch is not as heavy as one would think. As a matter of fact, this could very well be a gold watch as the heavyweight of platinum is not present. A fantastic release that honors Gérald Genta the right way. Now as far as the price, we think it’s a little steep regardless of its platinum nature, especially, if you keep in mind that nowadays you can still find a pre-owned stainless steel Arena Bi-Retro on the bay for under USD 4K.
Sticker Price $59,000 USD. For more info on Bulgari click here.
