SimplyAbuDhabi XV

8 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I W ith Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari, the watchmakers of Bulgari continue to explore the wonders of nature’s gardens, this time taking the wearer on a journey of horological complications through the rare universe of marine beauty. Last year, Bulgari’s creative fine watchmakers took inspiration from the natural botanical world, offering its first complicated watch for ladies. Christened Il Giardino Tropicale di Bulgari, it was a natural successor to the ‘Naturalia’ jewellery collection of the 1990s whose naturalist palette of plant-themed shapes and bright colours drew on the diverse treasures of fauna and flora; an enchanted jewellery collection which remains, to this day, so dear to the Italian jeweller. Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari is a fresh take on these earlier themes. Put simply, it is a wristwatch that achieves the remarkable feat of combining the art of miniature painting – a much valued technique that dates back to the golden age of the Renaissance artists – with the perfection of haute jewellery – the signature of Bulgari’s master artisans – and the precision of Swiss fine watchmaking. Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari dives into a maritime dream world in which the silent watery landscape finds its rhythm in the harmonious oscillations of a tourbillon movement whose technical sophistication is matched only by its pristine beauty. There will only be 50 of each version, rendering the watch a token of true exclusivity. Supported by an unbelievably transparent sapphire bridge, the tourbillon is revealed through a round window, open like the porthole of a bathyscaph on a journey through an enchanted underwater world filled with vibrant colour. 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. Designed for elegant occasions, the watch is naturally at home in aquatic situations, since it is water-resistant to 30 metres. Just as the pearl is preserved by its shell, the refined precious mechanism of Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari is enhanced by a Côtes de Genève decoration and fine circular-graining. These subtle touches are housed within a 37mm diameter case made of 18K pink gold, of which the bezel is either adorned with the name ‘Bulgari’, or set with 36 faceted diamonds totalling 2.88 carats. The true pleasure of the Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari, however, lies in the aesthetic beauty of its enchanting dial. Each decorative element on the dial is a visual surprise. Emphasising the theme of maritime nature, Bulgari’s artisans work with authentic, natural materials – mother-of-pearl, coral, turquoise, and diamonds. Specifically, 29 brilliant-cut diamonds adorn the starfish and coral. Dark blue lacquer, evoking the pure depths of the ocean, provides a delicate background that’s matched by the transparency of beautiful sapphires. The overall effect is of mischievous fish darting through crystal-clear waters, while sparkling starfish float amongst the precious coral. To achieve this superb result, Bulgari’s master-craftsmen employed both ancient techniques and the skilful expertise gleaned from generations of working with high jewellery. The gold dial plate is first fashioned in order to fit the coral and fish motifs before it is coated on the base with an intense blue lacquer. The next step is recreating the underwater scene. Here, the craftsman hand-polishes each piece in the composition to give a very soft ‘cushion’ effect. Each element, be it coral, white or turquoise mother-of-pearl, requires great care and delicacy before it is set into place. The overall motif is then given the perfect finishing touch with brilliant-cut diamonds. The creation of each edition of Il Giardino Marino di Bulgari requires exceptional mastery of a wide range of skills, not least of which are a special knack and a keen eye that no machine could ever imitate, and which can only stem from a blend of intelligence and experience, knowledge and passion. In other words, only fromBulgari. Il GiardinoMarino di Bulgari – Horological complexity inspired bymarine beauty