July 9, 2019
“It is key to have a strong visual identity in order to have an advantage over the competitors,” Pascal Brandt
When a historic brand like Bulgari creates another world record with watches, the fifth time this year i.e, you know the technical and design prowess of the icon is worthy of absolute adulation. And when comes a chance to appreciate the record holder timepiece up-close, along with a few more fascinating launches of 2019, you sure do not want to miss it.
On a sunny morning, Vishawatch team caught up with Pascal Brandt, Watch Communication Director for Bulgari, on his recent India trip, for a sneak peak of the latest watches from Octo Finissimo and Serpenti Seduttori family. To say the least, it was quite gratifying! Here is a snapshot of what we liked and highlights of a freewheeling chat with Mr Brandt.
A New World Record
What we’ve got here is another record-setting watch in the Octo Finissimo line, this time an automatic chronograph with a GMT function, the world’s thinnest mechanical chronograph. A self winding watch, it is an exciting blend of technical sophistication and aesthetic refinement. It has an indication of small seconds and power reserve on the dial side.The Caliber BVL 318 movement is just 3.3mm thick, setting yet another record of being the thinnest automatic chronograph caliber ever made. This watch looks very sophisticated, sleek and streamlined but at the same time gives a very cool and industrial vibe! “Octo Finissimo is our key line in the men’s watches segment and even ladies can wear some of them, like the one with pink gold sandblasted finish. While the Titanium one is a boy toy, we do have many female clients for Finissimos,” shares Brandt.
Bulgari’s Key To Success
Brandt says people buy watches more for emotional reasons these days than the functional aspect of reading time on wrist. Which is why Bulgari likes to focus more on the design and content of the timepieces. “It is key to have a strong visual identity in order to have an advantage over the competitors. With around 1500-2,000 watch brands in the world, it is very important to stand out ,” says Brandt who feels very strongly about Octo’s unique dial shape. The Serpenti watches for women have “seductive powers.” According to Brandt Serpenti watches are is very easy to identify because of a unique design and the existing range has been redesigned with new bracelets.
The Octo Finissimo Family along with the latest world record holder; On Extreme Right Is The Latest Skeleton Ceramic With Mechanical Skeletonised Manufacture Movement And Manual Winding ; Small Seconds And Power Reserve Indication ; BVL 128SK Finissimo Caliber (2.35mm) ; Power Reserve of 65 Hours ; 40 mm Extra-Thin Ceramic Case (5.50 mm Thick) ; Transparent Case Back ; Ceramic Crown Set With Ceramic ; Water Resistant Up To 30 Meters ; Ceramic Bracelet With Ceramic Folding Clasp
Serpenti Seduction White Gold Full Pave ; 18KT White Gold Bracelet With Hexagonal Stylised Pattern And Folding Buckle Full Set With Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds ; 18KT White Gold 33 MM Case Set With 50 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds On The Bezel ; Snow Pave Case Set With 166 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds ; 18KT White Gold Crown Set With A Cabochon Cut Blue Sapphire ; 18KT White Gold Dial Snow Set With Diamonds ; Bvlgari Personalised High Precision Quartz Movement ; Water Resistant To 30MM
A collector’s choice
Since the launch in 2012, Octo’s popularity graph has been on a rise and in Brandt’s words it has already become a “Cult” watch. “I see that many collectors, aficionados and media rank Octo among AP, Patek Nautilus and a few others. For us it is a very strong recognition of the work we do. It is a compliment to hear that,” he says adding,”Octo is a very contemporary, stylish, smart and 21st century super cool watch.” It is a great a way of expressing one’s personality rather than wearing “a boring round watch.” It is important to buy a timepiece that one feels passionately about as a collector and pick something that is out of the common.
Bulgari and India
India is a growing market for Bulgari. Considering that this country has had a very long history with luxury goods, Bulgari sees a lot of potential here. “India is sophisticated and consequently, between Bulgari and India, there are many connecting points. You don’t need to explain it to the Indian collectors because luxury and sophistication is part of the culture here,” says Brandt.
So, What’s The Next World Record
As a brand, Bulgari constantly strives to break rules and set new codes. So, with all the passion and prowess will Bulgari set another world record next year? “It is a tricky question. First , I don’t know. Second, I would say let’s meet next year because we continue to work with passion,” he wraps it up with a laugh.
