Bulgari - Il Giardino Marino
Following Il Giardino Tropicale, Bulgari presents Il Giardino Marino, wristwatch that achieves the feat of combining the art of miniature painting with the perfection of haute jewellery, and the precision of Swiss fine watchmaking.
Supported by a transparent sapphire bridge, the tourbillon of this timepiece is revealed through a round window, open like the porthole of a bathyscaph. The power reserve of this BVL 263 calibre - made of platinum, with a 22K gold oscillating weight - yields 64 hours of operating autonomy. The refined mechanism is enhanced by a Côtes de Geneve decoration and fine circular-graining.
The 37mm case, made of 18K pink gold, is water-resistant to 30 metres. The bezel is either adorned with the name 'Bvlgari', or set with 36 faceted diamonds totalling 2.88 carats. There will only be 50 of each version.
The true pleasure of the Il Giardino Marino di Bvlgari, however, lies not so much in the prospect of experiencing athletic, aquatic adventures, but rather in the aesthetic beauty of its enchanting dial. In order to emphasise the theme of maritime nature, Bvlgari's artisans have chosen to work with authentic, natural materials - mother-of-pearl, coral, turquoise, and diamonds.
The gold dial plate is first fashioned in order to fit the coral and fish motifs inside the space available before it is coated on the base with an intense blue lacquer. The next step requires recreates the underwater life. Here, the craftsman hand polishes each piece in the chromatic composition to give a very sof t "cushion" effect. Each element, be it coral, white or turquoise mother-of-pearl, requires great care and delicacy before it is finished and adjusted into place. The overall motif is then given the perfect finishing touch with brilliant-cut diamonds.
The watch is worn on a blue alligator leather strap, with an 18K pink gold pin buckle.