If you were ever in doubt that gaming can transcend all avenues of life, then the latest release from Bulgari will stem those feelings. The premier watch brand has teamed up with the vast digital machine that continues to bring us the world-famous Grand Turismo games.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
We find ourselves at the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Barcelona, where Bulgari has made two announcements—one for the wrist and one for the track.
The watch is the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition, based very much on the existing Bulgari Aluminium. As you would expect from a watch related to high-octane motorsport, the watch is a mechanical chronograph. It keeps the look we have come to expect from these creations but for 2023 and this special model we have bold accents in yellow inspired by the dashboard dials of Italian Gran Turismo cars from the 1990s.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
The new watch combines elements such as the lightness of aluminium for the case and the softness of rubber for the Bulgari-emblazoned bezel. As you would expect to find in any super car expert, innovative construction is paramount, such as the bracelet which features articulated rubber links connected by aluminium rods. The crown and case back are forged from titanium with a black DLC treatment. To celebrate the lineage of the legendary games the watch is engraved with the 10th Anniversary Vision GT logo.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
The watch is being released in two limited versions; a yellow dial and black counters (500 pieces); and an anthracite dial featuring yellow indices (1200 pieces) so there are 2000 opportunities to get hold of one of these special editions. Both watches are powered by the Bulgari automatic chronograph Calibre B381. This offers a power reserve of 42 hours, operates at a frequency of 28'800 VpH (4Hz) and has 25 jewels.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
If all that wasn't impressive enough wait till you see the car which has been designed in parallel to the watch. The all-new Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT concept car has been built in full scale, and has been designed for racing in the virtual Gran Turismo game.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
The materials used for the construction of the hypercar are very much in the vein of those we would expect to find in the high-end wristwatch. The lines of the body draw inspiration from a watch bracelet with articulated and visible screws. An almost sci-fi angular look reminds us of a hi-tech watch case, but in this machine, it defines a cockpit and wheels. The bodywork is brushed aluminium, with carbon for the lower body and black rubber to protect exposed areas. Inside the cockpit (it really is a cockpit), colours and materials contrast, such as matte aluminium, black rubber, anthracite and, of course, the trademark, yellow accents.
BULGARI X GRAN TURISMO - Credit Bulgari
Kazunori Yamauchi, the iconic creator of the Gran Turismo franchise, says, "We greatly value personal relationships. That's the key to many of the collaborations we have forged, and it's the soul of our community of players. It's especially true this time: it flowed naturally from the strong relationship between.…… Bulgari's design director and …….. Pininfarina with whom we collaborated. There's no better way to celebrate it than with a product as stunning as the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition watches and the striking Bulgari Vision Gran Turismo car."
What we think
We can't speak for the availability of the hypercar, and you don't get one with every watch, but we can confidently say that the 2000 special edition Bulgaris will sell out relatively quickly to motorsport fans and, crucially, fans of the viral game.
It's fascinating to see how online gaming has slipped into almost every facet of life and you know it's a serious business when a tier-one brand like Bulgari is teaming up with the Grand Turismo Creative Team. Fair play the watch looks fantastic and adds a contemporary twist to current designs. Who knows what we will see next, a Tomb Raider Rolex?
