Bvlgari brings fresh summer energy to the Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium with two light, playful, and unmistakably Italian sport-chic executions.
Bvlgari is one of those watchmakers with a repertoire of skills that allows it to stand out, bringing its expertise in jewellery design and fashion into watchmaking as well. That is not to say the Maison does not have serious watchmaking pedigree either. As we have seen in the past, Bvlgari is no stranger to creating world-record-breaking timepieces, including the mind-boggling ultra-thin tourbillon within the Octo Finissimo collection.
However, the watches Bvlgari creates that are arguably the most recognisable come from the Bvlgari Bvlgari collection. This is a collection that dates back to 1975, a time when watchmaking was going through one of its hardest periods, yet also a period when we saw some of the industry’s most iconic releases.
One of the signature details of the Bvlgari Bvlgari collection is the branding on the bezel, which takes inspiration from ancient Roman coins and Latin inscriptions on monuments. Bvlgari then introduced the Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium collection in 1998, bringing a more contemporary approach to the design.
Now, Bvlgari is continuing the evolution of the Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium with two new models inspired by the European summer, giving each watch a fresh, casual and sporty-chic personality.
Sport-Chic Design In White And Blue
Both of these new Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium models come housed in a 40mm case, which keeps the watch in modern sizing while still being wearable across a variety of wrist sizes. As expected, the case is crafted from sandblasted aluminium, helping to achieve a lightweight feel while also adding to the watch’s casual character. Measuring in at 9.40mm thick, the watch is also quite slim, making it a great size for everyday wearability, especially if you plan on living the summer lifestyle quite a lot!
The sandblasted aluminium case is paired with a white rubber bezel, engraved with the signature “Bvlgari Bvlgari” double-logo design. This also plays into the brand’s use of different materials, a detail that continues the collection’s distinctive material contrast. Continuing this theme is the white rubber strap, which is equipped on both models and further reinforces the summer-ready aesthetic.
What sets the two models apart is the dial colour. Firstly, we have the white dial reference 104335, which has an opaline varnish finish that gives it an almost matte, slightly grainy appearance. This is then complemented by rhodium-plated indices and hands, which shine nicely at different lighting angles against the matte dial. A date window is also nicely integrated at 3 o’clock, with a dial-colour-matching date wheel that allows the function to blend beautifully into the dial’s balanced design.
The second colour choice is the blue reference 104309. This model, however, is a limited edition, with only 500 pieces being produced. Unlike the white opaline dial above, this edition gets a sunburst finish, allowing it to play with light beautifully and showcase different shades of blue.
The indices and hands are also blue, with white lume used on the tips of the hands and along the minute track for a subtle contrasting effect. Another detail I like about this model is the red accent on the seconds hand, as well as the boxes for the lume on the hour markers, which add a nice touch of colour and make this a slightly more playful piece.
Reliable Automatic Performance Beneath The Summer Style
Both watches come with Bvlgari’s B77 automatic winding mechanical movement. While this is not one of the Maison’s more complicated in-house calibres, it is still based on the reliable Sellita SW300/ETA 2892 architecture. With a power reserve of 42 hours and a frequency of 4Hz, or 28,800 VpH, it delivers a dependable automatic foundation.
The movement is not the headline feature here, but rather it keeps things ticking away in a reliable format. The design and aesthetic appearance of the timepieces are what support the everyday luxury positioning of the collection.
Initial Thoughts
The Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium collection has always been about creating a more relaxed, sporty version of one of the Maison’s most iconic designs. This is the playground in which the brand gets to have fun. Nothing super technical, and it is never meant to be, but rather about bringing together aluminium and rubber, which was a first when the original was released in 1998, with different colours for a more fun and vibrant aesthetic.
This is why these new summer editions work so well. They lean into this philosophy while creating dedicated watches that would match a summer, beach-ready outfit perfectly. They have that clean, resort-style, Mediterranean energy that suits Bvlgari’s Roman lifestyle identity beautifully.
I personally lean towards the blue, not because it is my favourite colour, but because it simply has a bit more personality. With the sunburst finish giving the dial different shades of blue depending on the light, the contrasting white lume, and the subtle red details throughout, it all comes together to create a more playful and visually engaging version of the Bvlgari Bvlgari Aluminium.
Whether in clean monochromatic white or the more vibrant blue limited edition, both models capture the easygoing elegance that has always made this collection stand apart!
References & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | 104335 (White Opaline Dial) 104309 (Blue Sunburst Dial) |
| Dimensions | 40mm x 9.40mm thick |
| Case | Sandblasted aluminium case with rubber bezel featuring double “Bvlgari Bvlgari” logo. |
| Dial | White Opaline dial with rhodium-plated indices and hands, or a blue sunburst dial with blue hands and indices and white lume, with subtle red details. |
| Crystal | Sapphire with anti-reflective coating |
| Caseback | Open, sapphire |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. B77 with date complication |
| Power Reserve | 42h |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 10bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | White rubber strap with sandblasted aluminium links and pin buckle. |