A journey through the universe of marine beauty.
Calmly, patiently and with great precision, the watch master-craftsmen give life to artistic dials after a period of careful work. Last year, Bvlgari creative fine watchmakers took inspiration from the natural botanical world, offering its first complicated watch for ladies. Christened Il Giardino Tropicale di Bvlgari, it was a natural successor to the “Naturalia” jewellery collection of the 1990s whose naturalist palette of plant-themed shapes drew on the diverse treasures of fauna and flora. 2014 Il Giardino Marino di Bvlgari is a fresh take on these earlier botanical and zoological themes. 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.
The 2014 wristwatch combines the art of miniature painting with the perfection of haute jewellery. There are only be 50 of each version, announced the jewelry house.
The tourbillon of this luxury 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 that ensures automatic winding – yields 64 hours of operating autonomy. Even it is designed for special occasions, Il Giardino Marino di Bvlgari is water- resistant to 30 metres.
The watch mechanism is enhanced by a Côtes de Genève decoration and fine circular-graining. These touches are housed within a 37mm diameter case made of 18K pink gold, of which the bezel is either adorned with the name ‘Bvlgari’, or set with 36 faceted diamonds totalling 2.88 carats.
Bvlgari’s artisans have chosen to work with authentic, natural materials – mother-of-pearl, coral, turquoise, and diamonds. Specifically, 29 brilliant-cut diamonds trace the heart of the starfish and punctuate the coral.
Dark blue lacquer, evoking the depths of the ocean, provides a background that’s matched by the transparency of beautiful sapphires. The overall effect is of a shoal of mischievous fish
floating in crystal-clear waters, while sparkling starfish frolic amongst the foliage of precious coral.
Il Giardino Marino di Bvlgari’s Movement:
• Manufacture-made mechanical self-winding movement with Tourbillon on a sapphire bridge; 263
polished and hand-finished parts, 22K gold oscillating weight, driving hours and minutes
indications;
• 21,600 vph (3Hz), 40 jewels; 64-hour power reserve;
• Diameter: 28.60 mm; thickness: 5.95 mm.
Il Giardino Marino di Bvlgari – Case and dial:
• 18K pink gold 37 mm-diameter case, 10.70 mm thick, non-set or set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 2.88 cts); 18K pink gold crown set with a rubellite; water-resistant to 30 m;
• Blue lacquered champlevé dial hand-decorated using marquetry-like techniques, set with 29 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.065 cts);
• Blue alligator leather strap with an 18K pink gold pin buckle.
