Bvlgari, although relatively young in the watchmaking industry, has rapidly become one of the most progressive brands, especially since acquiring dial manufacturer Cadrans Design and watchmaker Gerald Genta. Since 2009, the brand has launched a new self-made complex movement every year, showcasing its growing expertise in both movements and dials.
This year’s Commedia dell’Arte watch is another masterpiece, blending an automatic tourbillon, multi-layer gold engraving dial design, and the incredibly intricate cathedral-style double hammer minute repeater function. What’s truly remarkable about this watch is how the chimes and the figures on the dial are synchronized. When the time chimes, the central character moves its left arm to indicate the time, and the other three characters begin to move their limbs (foot, hand, chest, head) in a counterclockwise motion—just like a choreographed dance.
The concept of Commedia dell’Arte comes from 16th-century Italy and is known as “improvised comedy” or “masked comedy,” where actors perform on the spot based on prompts from the audience. For this watch, Bvlgari has used a traditional Italian palace curtain scene on the dial, featuring the three most famous characters from the genre: Brighella, Pulcinella, and Harlequin.
The Brighella-themed version is featured here, and if you’re interested, you might want to revisit the character’s story in European theatre history.
Bvlgari Commedia dell’Arte Complex Functions Watch
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Case: 18K Rose Gold, 37mm diameter, 10.70mm thickness
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Dial: Ivory-colored painted gold dial with enamel 18K gold relief scenes and figure components
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Movement: BVL263 automatic movement, 40 jewels
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Frequency: 21,600 vibrations/hour
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Power Reserve: 64 hours
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Caseback: Sapphire crystal
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Strap: Ivory-colored alligator leather strap with 18K rose gold pin buckle
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Water Resistance: 30 meters
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Limited Edition: 8 pieces
