The Intricate Case of Bvlgari - A Pictorial Review of Bvlgari Assioma 

Chronograph

-By Z3 (Jonathan Zhang)

As a watch brand, Bvlgari has a nostalgic spot in my heart as one of the first "decent" watch brands that I was introduced to. I still remember vividly the imagery of a 19 year-old college sophomore, running on the track on a cool spring night, with his automatic Diagono Aluminum on rubber strap. It was so weightless, so comfortable and so robust  - that it felt like it had merged to become one with the arm, and made the boy free and provided an extra splash of joy to his workout. It was one of my favorite watches in college, and in my opinion, the epitome of a sports watch.

Almost a decade has gone by. I have learned a few more things, moved on to experience many other brands in the "Watchdom", have for the most part forgotten about Bvlgari, and in the back of my mind thought of it as a fashion brand ... until about a year ago when I read Bernard Cheong's posts on the Calibro 303 and the general excellent craftmanship of Bvlgari watch cases. Then, the series of factory visits posted by Don Corson and Kong earlier last year piqued my interest, and made me look into the current lineup of Bvlgari watches in more detail.

I must say what I found was very impressive. Although I was personally disappointed to see my formerly elegant and nimble 38mm Diagono Aluminum evolve into a 44mm clumsy monstrosity (hence in my opinion defeating the purpose of a light sport watch), I felt that over the years, the quality of Bvlgari watch cases have really improved. Certain models such as the classic Bvlgari-Bvlgari and Diagono Calibro 303 feature beautiful polishing work and intricate assembly of multi-module bracelets, and the Assioma, in my opinion, best represents of Bvlgari's fantastic abilities in case-making, dial-making, and attention to detail.

Well-done, Bvlgari!

I would like to share some joyous photos of my 6-months old Assioma Chronograph in 18K yellow gold (model number: AA48C13GLDCH). It has an automatic chronograph movement w/28,800 vph and a power reserve of 36 to 38 hours. Although it is massive at 48mm meter, because of the nicely curved case and lugs, it sits very comfortably on my 7.25 inch wrist.

Look at the details of the dial, and the fine strips on the raised hour markers...

The lack of lumination on the indices makes it more dressy and elegant than sporty.

The profile evokes images of sports cars. The curved lugs on this large watch hug the wrist very nicely. 

Some wrists shots. The chronograph pushers are very crisp, offer just the right amount of resistance, and are a joy to operate with a delightful low "clicking" sound. The crocodile strap is sturdy but nicely curved. 

This is my favorite in the current Bvlgari lineup. Kudos to Bvlgari for a great job in machining, polishing and assembling a nicely designed case. I think Bvlgari is gearing up technically to be a major player in the luxury segment. I sincerely hope to see more great offerings from this Italian house.

Hope you have enjoyed the photos,

Cheers,

Jon (Z3)

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P.S.To see Don Corson's 4-part visits to Bvlgari, posted in April 2009, click below:

home.watchprosite.com

home.watchprosite.com

home.watchprosite.com

home.watchprosite.com

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