Bulgari “L’Ammiraglio del Tempo” – “The Admiral of Time”: The visible and the invisible

Bulgari’s L’Ammiraglio del Tempo - “The Admiral of Time” featuring a detent escapement with minute repeater and constant force mechanism was introduced at the 2014 BaselWorld annual watch fair. Production is limited to 20 pieces in 18K pink gold and 10 pieces in 18K white gold. Priced at US$359,000 or around CHF350,000 / SGD490,000 / MYR1,172,000 (Malaysian Ringgit). The prototype was recently in store – at Bulgari’s new boutique at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore for a few days only. The hammers and Cathedral gongs are visible but where is the sliding mechanism for activating the minute repeater? Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa 2014

The main horological highlight for Bulgari at the 2014 Baselworld annual watch fair is the L’Ammiraglio del Tempo, otherwise known as “The Admiral of Time” when translated to English. This high horology timepiece features the detent escapement with a cylindrical hairspring, a constant force mechanism and a minute repeater. The use of the detent escapement is inspired by the marine … More

Bulgari Viola at Marina Bay Sands? Voila!

The “temptress” at Bulgari’s Marina Bay Sands store? Bulgari MVSA Viola necklace. Notice the picture of the Bulgari Serpenti in the background? Don’t forget the earrings too. Photo: © TANG Portfolio. Timmy / Elfa 2014

Italian jeweller Bulgari has opened a new store at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands covering 477 square metres over two floors. The brand has just launched a new jewellery collection known as the MVSA which pays tribute to the “muses of ancient Greece – nine legendary sisters who ruled over the arts, poetry and music.” Among the striking jewellery pieces is … More

Bulgari Octo Bi-Retro Brazil: Brazilian wax?

The 43mm Bulgari Octo Bi-Retro Brazil is powered by the Calibre GG 7722 automatic movement and is limited to 50 pieces. The “champlevé technique is employed for applying the blue, yellow and green colours on the dial. Photo: © Bulgari

Is there wax on lacquered watch dials? Well, according to Billericay of horologica.com, the silvered chapter ring typically seen on brass dials of vintage long case and bracket clocks will usually have engraved numerals filled with wax. To restore such antique dials, re-silvering is performed whereby multiple coats of matt lacquer are applied. This process will protect the new “silvering”. … More

Good Fortune Ahead

Translated to English, “fu daole” means that the “fu” Chinese character is “inverted” but as a Chinese pun, it can also mean “fu” or “fortune” has “arrived”. Chinese calligraphic writing by eight-year old Kendra Tan

The traditional Chinese lion dance is a must during the Lunar New Year. Not only does it bring life to the festive period as it is accompanied by rhythmic drumbeats and the clashing of cymbals, the lion dance is also symbolic as the loud music is said to drive away evil spirits and welcomes good fortune. In fact, observe and … More