Eo-vintage watches have been taking up so much market attention, yet Bulgari has gamely eschewed this style of watchmaking, focusing on very contemporary products. Why is that?

NIn the field of watchmaking where most brands are pure Swiss players, the fact that we are born in Italy, Rome, which in terms of architectural treasures is one of the richest on the planet, and not only for antique times but also more recently, I think indeed we have in our genes this obsession for pioneering design. This shows very much if you consider the new Octo minute repeater. It looks like a UFO, something you could never imagine. Already as a watch it’s extraordinary. Then you discover it’s a minute repeater. It’s a big departure from 99 per cent of minute repeaters which are designed in cases and dials dating back to the 19th h century. We prefer a vision of the minute repeater er which comes from space or 2100. of ultimate elegance, this is probably one of the most sophisticated grande complications in Swiss watchmaking. I think it’s important that in the 21st century we as a brand bring something new to Swiss watchmaking history. This is a minute repeater with an ultrathin movement and a case which itself because of the weight further stresses this technological and aesthetical dimension. This really adds to that piece a true reason for being. It’s not one repeater amongst 10 others. It’s a kind of new generation watch which additionally is a minute repeater, and therefore we believe that it expresses our innovative spirit not only technically with the movement but also with the material, which itself has been a technical challenge.

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BABIN