In 1998, Bulgari unveiled the Aluminium watch, rewriting the rules of luxury with its cutting-edge “Italian sport-chic” design. Fashioned from a blend of aluminum and rubber, paying homage to Italy’s automotive prowess, this timepiece has evolved into a Bulgari classic, showcasing distinct lines and enduring style for over two decades.
Milestone Collaboration: Bulgari Meets Gran Turismo
To mark its 25-year journey, Bulgari proudly announces an unprecedented collaboration with Gran Turismo, the esteemed car racing simulation game that debuted a few months before the Aluminium’s launch in December 1997. This groundbreaking partnership not only commemorates the brand’s milestone but also introduces Bulgari into the realm of prestigious automakers as an unexpected but welcome newcomer.
Visionaries Unite: The Creative Minds Behind the Collaboration
Driving this collaboration are two visionaries, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari’s Product Creation Executive Director, and Fabio Filippini, renowned car designer and founder of ACCAEFFE Creative Consulting Ltd. Stigliani’s vision materialized in the form of a concept car inspired by the geometric elegance of legendary Italian Gran Turismo cars from the 1970s, seamlessly echoing the Bulgari Aluminium watch’s aesthetic.
Celebrating Connections: Kazunori Yamauchi and the Bond Between Creatives
Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of Gran Turismo, underscores the importance of personal relationships in this collaboration, celebrating the strong bond between Mr. Buonamassa and Mr. Filippini. This synergy resulted in the creation of the Bulgari Vision Gran Turismo car and the Bulgari Aluminium Gran Turismo Special Edition watches, marking the 10th anniversary of Vision Gran Turismo.
Exquisite Craftsmanship: The Bulgari Aluminium Gran Turismo Special Edition
The watch features a 41mm wide aluminum case, a lightweight titanium caseback with “GT Vision 10th Anniversary” engraving, and a rubber bezel that harmonizes with the strap’s aluminum links and pink buckle. Offering two dial options—anthracite with yellow markers or striking yellow with black markers—both featuring Super-LumiNova-coated hands, the timepieces are water-resistant up to 100m, suitable for everyday wear and active holidays. Powering these watches is the Calibre B381 self-winding mechanical movement, boasting a 42-hour power reserve.
Innovative Experience: A Unique Offering for Watch Enthusiasts
Bulgari’s commitment to innovation extends further with a special offering for purchasers: a code to race the Bulgari hypercar in the game. The first 50 buyers of the yellow-dial watch receive not only the virtual version but also a meticulously crafted real-world, small-scale replica of the Bulgari Vision GT car. Seize the opportunity to experience the thrill of speed with distinctive style—visit the 24-hour sale page to secure the Bulgari Aluminium Gran Turismo Special Edition watch for $4,800. Bulgari continues to push boundaries both on and off the racing circuit, encapsulating the essence of speed and luxury in this remarkable timepiece.