On our most recent trip to Sydney, we organised a special soirée alongside Bvlgari, giving guests a closer look into the brand’s unique world.
We at Watch Advice are privileged to be so ingrained in the Australian watch world. As a team of journalists and watch nerds, we’re not only excited to showcase the watch brands we cover, but also the community of watch enthusiasts from across the nation. But last Friday, we gained the unique privilege of doing both alongside Italo-Swiss jeweller-watchmakers Bvlgari.
This is not the first time we’ve had this honour. Last October, we hosted an event alongside the brand in their flagship boutique right here in Brisbane. But this time around, we and Bvlgari took the show on the road, across state lines and into their other boutique in the Sydney CBD. With a new location and a roster of awesome watch enthusiasts on the guest list, we prepared for a night as beautiful as it was informative, surrounded by the very best of what Bvlgari has to offer.
But first: What was on our wrists for the occasion? Well, we all gravitated towards some of our personal faves in the roster. Chamath was quite taken with the new Octo Finissimo in 37mm, and wore the gold reference throughout the night. Matt donned the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold, which provided an element of stealth and lightness that offset the weight of his camera.
Sam, meanwhile, wore a striking Octo Roma reference in green, matching his suit. And me? Well, I’m a ride-or-die for the Serpenti Tubogas, and I wasn’t going to stop now!
The Bvlgari boutique in Sydney was beautiful, bathed in warm lighting and gorgeous marble. Though the boutique stretched across several different exhibits of jewellery, bags and even fragrances, we all navigated towards the intimate lounge set at the back of the boutique. Serendipitously, it was right next to many of the watch displays, which allowed easy access to some of Bvlgari’s most incredible timepieces.
As we settled in, it turned out the Watch Advice team weren’t the only Queenslanders in the room. Brett Harrison, Deputy Manager of Bvlgari in Brisbane, had also arrived to present for the night. As always, his presentation was exceptionally detailed, navigating the history of Bvlgari from its Italian roots to its record-breaking reputation in the modern watch world.
But he wouldn’t be presenting alone, as with him was Clément Drobniak, one of Bvlgari’s watchmakers based in Le Sentier, Switzerland. Like Brett, Clément provided exceptional insight into the complex world of Bvlgari, bolstered by his own experience as well as his work alongside the legendary Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, the Product Creation Executive Director at Bvlgari.
Once the presentation was finished, the Bvlgari team invited all guests to check out the incredible pieces they had brought along. Of course, the focus was primarily directed towards the new Octo Finissimo 37mm references, but the brand had plenty of spectacular references on display. We gathered together to listen to the chime of the Octo Finissimo Grande Sonnerie, and marvelled at the Octo Finissimo Automatic Tourbillon, crowned the world’s thinnest automatic tourbillon back in 2018.
But I must admit, several distractions came into play even while such spectacular pieces were being presented. First was a cameo from Bvlgari’s LVMH peer, Belvedere Vodka. Serving up their exclusive Dirty Brew coffee vodka, guests enjoyed the liquor in an affogato format alongside smooth vanilla ice cream.
The second was inside the lounge, where two exceptional Serpenti models were displayed. The first was the Bvlgari Serpenti Misteriosi with Turquoise, which was already breathtaking, if not for its adjacent sibling. Said sibling was the Serpenti Misteriosi Pallini, which was presented in a fully diamond-set head and tail with mobile gold beads that gave it a distinct look, feel and sound.
Because of the change in location and new guest list, I was somewhat nervous about how the night’s proceedings would go. However, Watch Advice and Bvlgari teaming up to host this Sydney event felt like lightning struck twice. Meeting a whole host of collectors I myself had never met before, it was surreal to see the level of enthusiasm and wonder written across everybody’s face.
That, in combination with a lovely presentation, beautiful atmosphere and, of course, amazing watches, made for one of the most memorable nights of the year. A massive thank-you to all who attended, to Bvlgari for joining forces with us once again, and to you, the reader, without whom none of this would be possible. Perhaps we’ll see you in our collector’s circle sometime soon!