Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

2020 was a challenging year for everyone involved in the watchmaking industry. The calendar was turned upside down, and expectations turned inside out. No one had any clue of how to successfully navigate a now, almost-entirely digital landscape. However, through a mixture of good timing and exceptional design, Bvlgari came through a difficult 12 months looking stronger than ever. The new monochrome Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S reference 103464 is a continuation of that success and sets up 2021 to be even better than the year before.As it turned out, LVMHs decision to drop the majority of its brands releases in January last year couldnt have worked out better. No one knew the sweeping restriction [...]

Ive always been a fan of Bvlgari, but in the last year, my fandom has changed significantly. Once upon a time, I was attracted to this roguish Roman revolutionary because of the fashion-first aesthetic. The watches were loud. The watches were proud. Crucially, however, they were cool. That was enough for me. In the past five years, Bvlgaris investment in manufacturing techniques has snowballed. Consequently, show-stoppers like the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, which weve covered extensively on Fratello have become the norm. But all this research and development got me thinkingwhere could this lead? It would seem that Bvlgaris potential is now limitless. The brand always had the style, but now its [...]

Its that time again Alon and Rob catch-up over the phone for Episode 32 of Fratello On Air. A relatively snappy show (at just under 40 minutes), focuses on what its like to own and wear a Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic watch among other thingsAlon Ben Joseph has been a Bvlgari dealer for six years. Hes been a Bvlgari owner, however, for three. He finally decided to pull the trigger on a model from the famous Italien brand when the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic (in titanium and on a titanium bracelet) was released at Baselworld 2017. Now, three years on, Rob wants to know what he makes of it.Who buys Bvlgari?Additionally, Rob wants to know who buys Bvlgari? What does the regular Bvlgari [...]

This isnt exactly a new watch. Bvlgari introduced it as the Diagono in 1998, an aluminum watch with a quartz movement. Later on, more models were added, including chronographs with automatic movements.Late last August, in Geneva, Bvlgari introduced the Bvlgari Aluminium chronograph reference 103383. Just a few days before, Bvlgari gave me the Aluminium chronograph to wear. I have been wearing this watch on and off, and today I am sharing my thoughts about this watch with you. Lets have a closer look at this watch, meant for millennials (as can be seen in this video).Bvlgari Aluminium chronographOn the one hand, Bvlgari being so clear about its target audience rules me out for this watch. I w [...]

We are living through a golden era of sports watch design. Ive alluded to it countless times this year and blurted it out loud on more than one occasion. At the end of the craziest year I can remember, I can say that despite all of the awful things that transpired in 2020, the luxury sports watch market is fizzing with optimism. I dont mean that to sound glib; in these dark days, we must rush towards the light where we find it. And thanks to Bvlgari the sun is shining brightly towards the futureIn 2017, Bvlgari released the Octo Finnissimo Automatic in blasted titanium on a matching bracelet. That case, inspired by the designs of the legendary Gerald Genta, became legendary itself overnight. [...]

There is no way around it, 2020 has been a weird and eventful year. Looking back at this year, it might be wise to remind ourselves of the amazing releases to which weve been treated. Some of them defined the year in watches, and some of them you might have forgotten about. Its the latter that could make for a nice Santa gift. Perhaps you neglected to put them on your list, but Santa stepped-up and scribbled them down on your behalf. Why? Because Santa knows best. So lets find out what gifts he came up with that werent on your list.Before we get into Santas list of treasures, just a quick look back at watch releases in general for 2020. As per usual, we have seen some amazing releases, and w [...]

Aluminium is not a typical material used in the watchmaking world, but Bvlgari is not a typical company. The Italian watch brand has carved a bit of a niche for releasing expertly engineered watches with a healthy dose of Italian style.When talking about Bvlgari, I'd forgive you for immediately thinking of the famous and successful Octo Finissimo. After all, this is the brand's flagship model family and the one that's famed for breaking all sorts of records in the watchmaking industry. That said, it's not the only watch of note made by the Italian brand. Enter the Bvlgari Aluminium.The Diagono lives onThe Bvlgari Aluminium is essentially a refresh of the old Bvlgari Diagono Aluminium family. [...]

During the last watch event we attended, Bvlgari introduced to us its Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic. According to them, it broke another world record, that of developing an ultra-complicated movement with a thickness of just 3.5mm.Somehow, I feel that this new watch got a bit snowed under by the introduction of the more affordable Bvlgari-Bvlgari Aluminium collection. Of course, watches with a price tag under 5,000 speak a bit more to the public than a watch that is for the lucky few. However, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic deserves a proper amount of attention as well.Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automati [...]

The variety of luxury sports watches is continually growing. More and more brands are extending their offerings by this category. But, are these new alternatives better than the classics? Are they alternatives at all? That depends on your requirements. Here are 13 alternatives to Rolex and Patek Philippe sports watches.It has become a matter of course that the popular sports watches from Rolex and Patek Philippe are not available to the average watch aficionado. The demand is vast, and the supply is scarce. Unless you are willing to pay a considerable premium on top of the already high prices for these watches, you will end up on a potentially endless waiting list. Therefore, any watch that [...]

You'd have a hard time convincing me in March that we would see any more watch releases. With fairs postponing to next year, or cancelling, how would brands react to an unfamiliar release schedule? Even the Grande Maisons such as Rolex and Patek, set our expectations very low and swore off 2020 unveilings. But the story of this year, in general, is of remarkable resiliency in the face of adversity.As it transpires, 2020 has been a tremendous year for new watch announcements. Just flick through our help page for all new watches, and you will witness a wide variety of price points, innovation and fascinating designs. We are aware that many digital outlets are vying for your eyeballs these days [...]

During the Geneva Watch Days, we sat down with Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. We spoke to him about the event, but also about the new Bvlgari watches introduced.Bvlgari introduced us to the new Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, G rald Genta Arena Bi-Retrograde Sport, and the new Bvlgari Bvlgari aluminum collection. Rob Nudds talks to Jean-Christophe Babin about the re-introduction of the Bvlgari Bvlgari (formerly known as Bvlgari Diagono).Interview with Jean-Christophe BabinClick here for more of our videos, and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel. We also discussed the Bvlgari novelties in-depth during our most recent podcast (click here). [...]

Compiling a list of the best modern luxury sports watches is like walking into a death trap. Can you actually come out alive? This is one of those lists that pretty much every watch enthusiast has an opinion on. But we like a good challenge here at Fratello. So I put on my armor and walked straight in. The mission? To come out on the other side, having found my Top-5 of modern luxury sports watches. A Top-5 that is irrefutably inspired by G rald Gentas design legacy. But instead by the spirit of his designs rather than a variation on his designs. So without further ado, lets get out the swords and daggers!Modern luxury sports watches are as relevant as ever. And by that I mean, alternatives [...]

Given the central role Bvlgari played in the organization of Geneva Watch Days, it may not be fair to attempt to summarize the brand's efforts in such a short post, but given that we'll be dedicating separate posts to the major releases in due course it's worth outlining our immediate takeaways of what was a really fantastic event.Jean-Christophe Babin is a force of nature. That's a description often (correctly) used to describe the other JCB, but it is just as appropriate for Bvlgari's energetic CEO. I had the opportunity to sit down with him for the best part of an hour. We talked about Geneva Watch Days and Bvlgari's new releases. As you will see from the video interview we have on the wa [...]

I really like what Bvlgari does with its jewelry timepieces. Nine times out of ten, they are not designed for me, but that doesnt stop me from appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into their creation. From afar, I have admired the recent releases (especially the aventurine glass dial models RJ reviewed a couple of months ago). When I heard about the Bvlgari Octo Roma Tourbillon Sapphire Malachite watch I was interested but not excited. I expected it to be beautiful and beautifully made, but not something I would wear. Well, I was wrong againA full diamond bezel with diamond-studded lugs, Rob? Have you gone soft in the head? Perhaps, dear readers, perhaps. Yes, after many years of chasing [...]

The watch industry acts conservatively. Too much innovation is considered risky. Accordingly, many new watch models are, to a certain extent, predictable. As much as we love to be presented with what we hoped for, real surprises make our hearts beat faster. So, lets take a look at those less anticipated novelties that made us sit up and notice. Lets explore the three most surprising new watch models of the recent past.In 2020, watch brands are even more cautious than in 2019. Unemboldening sales numbers have slowed the flow of new models. The closing of facilities due to Corona has nearly stopped the delivery of newly produced watches.That was different in 2019. Remember the riot-like reacti [...]

Youve probably read our enthusiastic reviews on the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watches. Today, we show you a video review of the three Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watches that are about to hit the boutiques this month.Nothing beats trying the watch on the wrist yourself, but a video might be a good alternative if you arent near a Bvlgari boutique. In this video, we will show you the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in polished ceramic, satin-polished stainless steel and in rose gold (on a leather strap).Bvlgari Octo Finissimo reviewThe side-by-side comparison of these three references (ceramic ref. 103368, satin-polished steel ref. 103297, and the rose gold ref. 103286) shows how different they will appear [...]

LL Cool Js lyrics Dont call it a comeback, Ive been here for years are very much in place when it comes to Bvlgaris watches. With the recent Octo Finissimo watches, they are throwing some good punches. Weve been raving about the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watches a number of times, it has become one of our favorite new watches.You are probably also aware that Bvlgari is a proper watch manufacture, located in several places in Switzerland. We visited the P?le Habillage in Saignel gier,? the assembly atelier in Neuchatel, and the Bvlgari Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie in Le Sentier. In this article, we show you how things are done at Bvlgari.Bvlgari Manufacture Visit ReportOur trip starts with a [...]

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch is the darling of many watch journalists. Not only because of its thin case or the micro-rotor movement. But also because Bvlgari is doing some different from the other luxury brands. The design of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is attractive and somewhat off-the-wall. A lot of brands are on the re-edition train, but not Bvlgari.Last month, we reviewed the stainless steel version and I explained why I think it is so great. Also compared to the other luxury steel sports watches out there from established brands, the Bvlgari Octo Finissmo watch stands out for me. The watch I have here today is the rose gold Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch. On a leather strap. I am not [...]

Bvlgari is on a roll with its Octo Finissimo The Octo Finissimo collection receives a blue dial version as well, in satin-polished stainless steel.I recently shared my experience of wearing the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in satin-polished steel (here). As I commented, I believe it is one of the coolest luxury sports watches available at this moment. For me, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in steel is the one to buy and I even prefer it over some other hyped G rald Genta designs out there. And that comes from deep down inside my soul, as I am a big fan of the Royal Oak and Nautilus.But which one to buy? The choice just got a lot harder. Enter the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in satin-polished steel with a b [...]

I have a weak spot for aventurine dials. These glass crystals with copper inclusions represent to me a starry sky. A perfect dial for dress watches or elegant ladies watches. Enter the Bvlgari Lvcea!Using this beautiful material isnt new to watchmaking. But unfortunately, only a few brands dare to use it and Bvlgari is one of them. The main problem with this material is that it can easily crack during the production process. And since it is not cheap, a lot of brands stay away from using aventurine for their dials.I wouldnt mind Bvlgari come up with a gold Octo with an aventurine dial.With the release of the new Bvlgari Lvcea models, there are now two more watches with aventurine dials to ch [...]