Half a century on, Bvlgari honours its iconic watch with marble dials and gold cases rooted in Roman design.
Fifty years after its launch, the Bvlgari Bvlgari watch continues to stand as one of the brand’s most recognisable creations. First introduced in 1975 by Gianni Bulgari as a gift for the brand’s top clients, the watch’s engraved bezel took inspiration from ancient Roman coins. Its success quickly transformed it into the first full-fledged collection by 1977, shaped under the hand of Gérald Genta.
To celebrate the collection’s 50th Anniversary, Bvlgari has introduced four new limited-edition models, each featuring a marble dial. The use of marble is both a technical and symbolic decision. Rome’s history, from the columns of the Pantheon to imperial palaces, has been carved into this stone, and the brand has long incorporated it into its jewellery. However, using marble in a wristwatch is challenging. The material is naturally fragile and requires precise handling, particularly when shaped into ultra-thin dials. The reward is a completely unique surface, with veining and depth that cannot be replicated.
The watches retain the original’s classical symmetry and strong profile, featuring cylindrical cases, Roman-style typography and the double logo that has become the collection’s signature. Each of the four new models is available in either 26mm or 38mm sizing and comes in either yellow or rose gold.
Ref. 104111
This 26mm yellow gold model features a Verde Alpi green marble dial set with 12 diamond indexes totalling 0.12 carats. The bezel is engraved with BVLGARI ROMA, just like the original 1975 version, while the case back features a special 50th Anniversary engraving. It is powered by a quartz movement, paired with a dark green alligator strap and yellow gold pin buckle, limited to only 150 pieces.
Ref. 104112
Also limited to 150 pieces, this 38mm yellow gold version houses the Solotempo BVL 191 automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The dial, also in Verde Alpi marble, is finished with gold baton indexes instead of diamonds for a cleaner look. Like its smaller counterpart, it bears the BVLGARI ROMA engraved bezel and anniversary case back. It is finished with a dark green alligator strap and a matching gold pin buckle. Water resistance is up to 50 metres, unlike the other models, which are rated at 30 metres.
Ref. 104191
This 26mm rose gold model features an Azzurro Infinito marble dial in a pale, icy blue tone, with 12 diamond indexes totalling 0.12 carats. It uses a quartz movement and has a double-logo engraved bezel, unlike the ROMA variant. The strap is made of light blue alligator leather, featuring a rose gold pin buckle.
Ref. 104113
The final piece in the series is a 38mm rose gold model featuring a Blu Incanto marble dial with gold indexes. Inside is the same Solotempo BVL 191 movement as the larger yellow gold version. It has the classic doublelogo bezel, a commemorative case back and is matched with a dark blue alligator strap and rose gold pin buckle.