Geneva Watch Days is always a much-anticipated gathering, and it was more special this year when Bulgari, one of the event co-creators, announced that they were celebrating over 100 years of Watchmaking creativity.
Bulgari Book Launch at Geneva Watch Days 2023 - Credit Bulgari
On Wednesday, the 30th, they presented to the world a new book titled "Beyond Time", which is a chronology of their achievements, and if that was not enough, they also announced a presentation called The Duality of Nature, which showed off new watch creations.
This year marks the fourth edition of Geneva Watch Days, a revolutionary watch event concept created by Bulgari, Breitling, De Bethune, Girard-Perregaux, H. Moser & Cie., MB&F, Ulysse Nardin and Urwerk during the Covid Pandemic to ensure the future of Watch Fairs and in no small way keep the Swiss industry alive.
Bulgari Book Launch at Geneva Watch Days 2023 - Credit Bulgari
So what better place than Geneva, the cradle of world watchmaking, to host these events and bring the watch world back together? Geneva is an auspicious location for one of the founding fathers, Bulgari, to introduce a stunning book comprising eight chapters and over three hundred pages. The publication is written by some of the greatest names connected to Bulgari. Friends, ambassadors, and experts, all loyal to and beloved by the brand. "Beyond Time" is Bulgari's only authorised written history and marks a new direction in the media machine connected to the watch Maison.
Under the inspiring leadership of Bulgari CEO Jean Christophe Babin this book is far more than a simple history of the brand. It is seen more as a culmination of everything they have brought to horology since their inception in the 1920s. From an editorial perspective, the book is fascinating. It takes place in the form of a conversation between the Bulgari Watch and renowned authors connected to the brand, as well as famous cinema directors, sports athletes, technical experts and musical conductors. The book's theme was to be seen as the definitive work highlighting the brand's singular Horological-Roman egos and touching on how their products are inspired by jewellery. As you can imagine, the book was years in production, which necessitated extensive research and careful wordsmithing. And it is not just text, for the book contains unique illustrations and imagery designed to complement the words and fire the senses.
Bulgari Book Launch at Geneva Watch Days 2023 - Credit Bulgari
VIP guests were aplenty at the launch event, and the major contributors to the book were treated as watch royalty. They were journalists Fabienne Reybaud, Robin Swithinbank, and watch collector Auro Montanari, aka John Goldberger, who all gave fascinating testimonials of their work. Encouraged by Jean-Christophe Babin, side by side with Bulgari Watches Managing Director Antoine Pin, as well as Bulgari Watches Product Creation Executive Director Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, all parties expressed their gratitude for such a memorable evening.
Whilst the book left us in awe of Bulgari's contributions to the watch industry, the announcement titled 'Duality of Nature' left us excited as to what will come next.
Bulgari Book Launch at Geneva Watch Days 2023 - Credit Bulgari
For the remainder of 2023, Bulgari sought to influence the colour, shapes and finishes of the products we will be wearing into 2024, such as the latest Octo Finissimo. They released a new material called CarbonGold, which combines the industrial anthracite colours of carbon fibre and the brilliance of gold.
Then followed the unveiling of an impressive Piccolissimo BVL 100 miniature mechanical movement, the smallest on the market, which equips two magnificent Serpenti Misteriosi, true to the spirit of secret jewellery watches. To round off the evening, Bulgari produced a rare and precious antique coin set on new Monete Catene watches, showcasing exceptional antique treasures of Ancient Rome and Greece, a quintessential element of their style. The final words of the evening are fittingly left to Jean-Christophe Babin, the CEO.
Bulgari Book Launch at Geneva Watch Days 2023 - Credit Bulgari
"Tonight's exquisite gathering in the heart of Geneva, the cradle of watchmaking savoir-faire, is a statement to Bulgari's relentless pursuit of excellence. Our journey into the Swiss horological tradition has been one of unwavering commitment to craft, innovation and audacious creativity. As we stand here, celebrating this beautiful book and these stunning new creations, we are not just witnesses to history; we are part of it. Bulgari's unique Italian heritage, combined with the mastery of Swiss watchmaking, has not only written a new chapter in the annals of horology but has also solidified our place as guardians of an enduring legacy."
