Bvlgari offers timepieces with a tradition distinct from the history of the Swiss watch industry. Rome is at the core of Bvlgari design. Learn about the relationship between Roman history and Bvlgari's design philosophy, and experience the unique world that only Bvlgari continues to express.
From the founding of Bvlgari to its entry into the watch business
"BVLGARIHave you ever wondered what the spelling "Bvlgari" means? In fact, this spelling has a deep connection to Roman history, which Bvlgari values.
Let us introduce the history of watches that combine timelessness and innovation, created by Bulgari, a company that originated in Rome and belongs to Rome.
It all began in a Roman silversmith shop
Bulgari is a leading Italian jeweler, symbolizing the eternal city of Rome, and is also known as one of Switzerland's leading manufacturers of haute horlogerie (luxury watches), boasting some of the most advanced technology.
The founder, Sotirios Bulgari (1857-1934), was born into a family of silversmiths in the Epirus region of Greece. After acquiring the skills, he moved from Greece to Rome and began a silversmith business.
The Epirus region is famous for its silverwork, and Sotirio Bulgari has created a unique style that combines the traditional techniques passed down in the region with designs based on ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
In 1884, the first Bulgari store opened on Via Sistina. It is considered the flagship store of Bulgari. Bulgari's silver decorations attracted overwhelming support from tourists, and new stores were opened one after another in tourist destinations.
In the 20th century, Sotirio's two sons, Constantino and Georges, joined the company, and it continued to grow.
Launch of luxury watches
In the 1940s, he began creating goldwork with a sun-like brilliance, and in the 1950s he began incorporating bold combinations of precious and colored stones into his designs.
This was also the time when Hollywood film production was booming in Rome, and the city was nicknamed "Hollywood on the Debele" after the Debele River that runs through the city.
Bvlgari became known to many Hollywood stars and other celebrities. In the 1960s, actresses such as Audrey Hepburn and Ingrid Bergman became customers, and Bvlgari's products were worn in movies, helping the brand gain global recognition.
Around this time, the Maison was also influenced by Pop Art and the Far East, further increasing its originality and innovation.
In the 1970s, the brand opened stores in Paris, New York and Geneva, and began introducing iconic luxury watches to modern women.
Establishing a reputation with Bvlgari Bvlgari
In 1975, Bulgari presented a limited edition digital watch, limited to 100 pieces, with "BVLGARI ROMA" engraved on the bezel to a special client. This was the first wristwatch produced by Bulgari.
Two years later, the Bvlgari Bvlgari was released. The image of this model, with "BVLGARI BVLGARI" engraved on the bezel, was inspired by the marble columns of the ancient Parthenon and coins with inscriptions of praise for the emperor engraved around the periphery.
With its unprecedented design, this watch received rave reviews and remains a Bulgari icon to this day.
Bulgari is not "BULGARI" but "BVLGARI" This spelling was inspired by an inscription at the base of Trajan's Column in Rome.
The ancient Roman alphabet did not use the letters "J," "U," or "W," so they chose "BVLGARI." Trajan was a Roman emperor (reigned 98-117) and was renowned as one of the Five Good Emperors. By using the lettering from the time of the great emperor Trajan, they expressed their affiliation with Rome.
The journey to becoming a full-fledged manufacturer
After gaining global recognition as a watchmaking house with "Bvlgari Bvlgari," Bvlgari then began its journey as a manufacture.
Its unique design philosophy has been recognized in the world of watches, and by combining it with the traditional techniques and know-how of the Swiss watch industry, it has been able to produce one-of-a-kind models.
Founding of a watch manufacturing company in Switzerland
Following the success of Bulgari Bulgari, Bulgari established Bulgari Time in Switzerland in the early 1980s.
By moving its watchmaking division to the home of luxury watches, the quality and performance of Bulgari's watches improved.
In 2000, the company acquired the luxury watch brands Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth. Both brands were founded by renowned watchmakers, and are top-notch brands that create excellent models highly regarded by watch enthusiasts.
Charles Gerald Genta (1931-2011), the founder of Gerald Genta, is known for his signature works such as the Cartier Pasha and Patek Philippe Nautilus, and the Bvlgari Bvlgari is also one of his many creations.
Daniel Roth (1945-), who founded Daniel Roth in 1988, is credited with miniaturizing the tourbillon, which had been lost to history, and elevating it to one of the most complex watch mechanisms.
The addition of these two men will bring about major changes to Bulgari watches.
Developing an in-house movement
With the addition of Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth, Bulgari watches in the 21st century not only saw a dramatic improvement in manufacturing technology but also in the sophistication of their designs. Bulgari also acquired a number of component manufacturers, including case manufacturers.
Having established its structure as a manufacture, Bulgari declared itself a watch manufacturer in 2010, the year it celebrated its 125th anniversary.
At the same time as this announcement, the company also announced the Sotirio Bvlgari, which is equipped with its first in-house movement, the Cal. BVL 168.
This model, named after the company's founder, signaled the beginning of a new era for Bulgari as a manufacture, and subsequent models have since won numerous awards, beating out established luxury watchmakers.
