BVLGARI’s humble beginnings:
BVLGARI was founded in Rome in 1884 by Sotirios Voulgaris, a Greek silversmith. He moved to Italy in search of better opportunities and landed in Rome, where he started his business. Initially, he sold his silver pieces to wealthy tourists and locals. However, he soon realized that he needed to create his unique style to stand out from the competition. He started to incorporate precious stones and metals into his designs, which were inspired by the art and architecture of Ancient Rome.
BVLGARI's unique designs and exquisite craftsmanship soon caught the attention of the rich and famous. The brand's reputation grew, and it became a favorite of royalty, celebrities, and other notable figures. In the 1950s and 1960s, BVLGARI's popularity soared, thanks to its association with Hollywood. Elizabeth Taylor was a massive fan of the brand and wore its jewelry both on and off screen. Other celebrities, including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren, also helped to cement BVLGARI's status as a luxury brand.
Today, BVLGARI is a global brand with a presence in over 50 countries. The brand has expanded beyond jewelry and now offers a wide range of products, including watches, handbags, and fragrances. Despite its success, BVLGARI has stayed true to its roots and continues to draw inspiration from its Italian heritage. The brand's commitment to quality and craftsmanship has also remained unchanged, and it continues to produce some of the most exquisite and sought-after luxury goods in the world.
8 World records in 7 years
With the Octo Finissimo seeming like BVLGARI’s way of showing the watch world who is boss, a staggering 8 world records have been achieved by the brand in the last 7 years.
1. The World's Thinnest Minute Repeater
In 2016, BVLGARI set a new world record for the thinnest minute repeater watch with its Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater. The watch is only 6.85mm thick and features a titanium case and a carbon-fiber dial. What is remarkable about this watch is that its thinness does not compromise its sound quality. The minute repeater complication allows the wearer to chime the time on demand, and the sound produced by this watch is outstanding, thanks to its meticulous design and engineering.
2. The World's Thinnest Tourbillon
BVLGARI has also set a world record for the thinnest tourbillon watch with its Octo Finissimo Tourbillon. This watch is only 3.95mm thick and features a sandblasted titanium case and a skeletonized dial. The tourbillon complication is a mechanism that compensates for errors in timekeeping caused by the effects of gravity on the watch's movement. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon is not only a feat of engineering but also a masterpiece of design, with its sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
3. The World’s Thinnest Mechanical Watch (Now Dethroned by Richard Mille)
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra is powered by an ultra-thin automatic movement, the BVL 138 Finissimo caliber. This movement is incredibly thin, measuring just 2.23mm in height, making it one of the thinnest movements in the world. Despite its slim profile, the movement packs a punch, with a power reserve of 60 hours and a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. The movement is also decorated with Côtes de Genève and circular graining, adding to its overall beauty.
BVLGARI's Innovation
Bvlgari has always been a brand that has pushed the boundaries of what is possible. The company has a long history of innovation, and it continues to innovate even today. One of the most significant innovations that Bvlgari has introduced to the world of jewelry is the use of colored stones. Before Bvlgari, the use of colored stones in jewelry was not very common. Bvlgari was the first brand to use colored stones in its jewelry designs, and this innovation continues to influence the industry today.
Another area where Bvlgari has shown exceptional innovation is in the world of watches. The brand has introduced several groundbreaking watch designs over the years. One of the most significant innovations in the world of watches was the introduction of the Bvlgari Serpenti watch. The Serpenti watch was a radical departure from traditional watch designs, and it quickly became one of the most iconic watches in the world.









Bvlgari's Timeless Design
Bvlgari's design philosophy has always been about creating pieces that are both innovative and timeless. The brand's pieces are designed to be worn and enjoyed for generations. One of the hallmarks of Bvlgari's design is the use of bold and vibrant colors. Bvlgari's jewelry designs are often characterized by the use of brightly colored stones and precious metals. The brand's watches are also known for their bold and striking designs, visible in the photos found above and below.