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The new Bulgari Aluminium collection adds bigger cases and fresh colours The new Bulgari Aluminium collection adds bigger cases and fresh colours

The new Bulgari Aluminium collection adds bigger cases and fresh colours

Fergus Nash
  • The Bulgari Aluminium collection has been expanded with bigger cases and new colours.
  • The Capri Solotempo and Chronograph evoke the Italian island with an electric-blue gradient dial.
  • The Match Point Edition adds a subtle touch of green for tennis lovers.

The Bulgari Aluminium has always been a stealth watch, not because it has any degree of subtly but because a love for it will creep up on you. With its grandiose display of five Bulgari logos and bold Roman design, this range of watches will always be for those with an appreciation for both designer names and sporty aesthetics, but it can win over more stylistically conservative minds as well. This year’s new batch of Bulgari Aluminium watches not only evolves the collection incrementally, but also introduces a bright colour concept which could well lead to even more exciting releases in the future.

The watches which make the biggest splash from this new collection are dedicated to the Italian island of Capri, with its rocky terrain cascading into beautiful blue shores creating many mystical coves. The most famous of these is the Blue Grotto, where the sun shining through the cave makes the water glow an electric blue. The dial of the Bulgari Aluminium Capri perfectly captures this phenomenon along with the luxurious life of leisure that the island embodies. Two references exist within the 40mm case shape, with a three-register chronograph powered by the automatic B130 (ETA 2894-2) and the time-only “Solotempo” using the B77 (ETA 2892). They’re paired with a deep navy rubber bracelet benefiting from Bulgari’s comfortable hinging system, as well as the matching rubber bezel. Each of the models are limited to 1000 pieces.

Modernising the Bulgari Aluminium look is the introduction of two new chronographs in a 41mm case. It may only be a 1mm difference, but it has quite a large effect on the overall attitude and sense of masculinity. It’s powered by the new calibre B381, which is based on a Sellita SW300 with a Dubois-Depraz module. This watch also offers an all-black model for the first time in the collection’s history, with just the bright white markers and the blasted aluminium shining out as highlights.

The final addition to the Bulgari Aluminium catalogue is the Match Point Edition, offering subtle touches of neon green for tennis fanatics who want that secretive hint. For all intents and purposes it’s a standard Bulgari Aluminium in the 40mm case, with the exception of having a left-handed crown (to prevent it digging into your hand while playing) and the green dial details. The titanium caseback features an engraved tennis ball, but it’s done with enough subtlety for the watch to also appeal to people who don’t care about tennis and just love green.

The new Bulgari Aluminium collection price and availability:

The Bulgari Aluminium Chronogaph is unlimited, while the Capri Solotempo and Capri Chronograph are limited to 1000 pieces each, and the Match Point Edition is limited to 800. The releases will be staggered, with the Capri watches available now, the black Chronograph in June, the Match Point in July, and the white Chronograph in September. Price: AU$4,960 (Capri Solotempo) / AU$7,150 (Capri Chronograph) / Others TBA

Brand Bulgari Bulgari Bulgari
Model Aluminium Capri Solotempo / Chronograph Aluminium Chronograph Alumium Match Point Edition
Case Dimensions 40mm 41mm 40mm
Case Material Aluminum Aluminium Aluminium
Water Resistance 100m 100m 100m
Crystal(s) Sapphire Sapphire Sapphire
Dial Blue gradient Black or white White and green
Strap Blue rubber Black rubber Black rubber
Movement B77 / B130 B381 B77
Power Reserve 42 hours 42 hours 42 hours
Availability Available now, limited to 1000 pieces each Available in June (black) and September (white) Available in July
Price AU$4,960 (Solotempo) / AU$7,150 (Chronograph) TBA TBA