ED209
[Purist]
7307
Evolution of the Bulgari Diagono 303 and a few answers
The new Bulgari Diagono
303
First, a few answers to the questions about the
new Diagono 303 that was introduced at Baselworld
2011:
1. Will the original Calibro 303
still be produced? It will be replaced by the new generation
Calibro 303 introduced this year at Baselworld
2011
2. Is the new 18k ping gold/stainless
steel version available with a two tone bracelet? Not at this
point in time during the 2011 launch
And the big
question:
3. When is the expected delivery of
production pieces? The new Diagono CALIBRO 303 expected
delivery is July 2011. That's just a few months
away.
Our fellow moderator Kong had a great in-depth
report on the Bulgari watchmaking and manufacturing capabilities
from dial manufacturing at Cadrans
Design (acquired in
2005) to case manufacturing at H. Finger SA (acquired in
2007) to bracelet manufacturing at Prestige D'Or SA, all coordinated to
build the Calibro 303:
Please click here
The case of
the Bulgari Diagono 303 is made of 75 hand assembled components and the
bracelet comprises of 106 components. The movement used is
continued from the original, a FP1185 based movement and is named as
BVL303. It has an integrated chronograph movement with column
wheel and vertical clutch and is composed of 303 components (hence the
name Calibro 303).
The original Diagono 303 was introduced in 2008 (pictured
below):
Quickly followed by a Sincere Watch Limited Edition in 2009 with a darker colored dial (100 pieces). Here's a pic taken by Kong of the Sincere LE version:
And in 2010 a blue version was added to the collection. Of the various colored dials, the blue is my absolute favorite. Paired with the blue strap makes for a very versatile watch that can be sporty but also dressy:
And the refreshed version for 2011. As mentioned in the press release, the bezel (which retains the signature BVLGARI-BVLGARI logo) has been slimmed down slightly which opens up dial. The date has been moved over from 6 o'clock position to 4:30. Personally I like the date at 6 because I prefer the details of a window framing the date. I'm also not a fan of date displays that partially shows the date before and after.
On the other hand, I can understand the reasoning for moving it to 4:30 as it frees up the chronograph subdial and makes it easier to read. Here's a pic (taken by Jonathan aka Z3) of the two toned 18k ping gold and stainless steel version:
And one of the important factors for me is the redesigned lugs which is angled downward to make for a better fit and provide improved comfort when worn. The case itself is also slimmed down to 11.90mm. Here's a pic taken by Kong of the of the original case:
And a comparison to the latest version (pic taken by Z3) which definitely shows the angled lugs and slimmer case. I can't wait to get my hands on both pieces to do a side by side comparison of the two versions.
Regards,
ED-209
Evolution of the Bulgari Diagono 303 and a few answers
thx & looking forward seeing them soon!
re: Evolution
Many thanks ED! Since the older version is to be discontinued
You're welcome, and do let us know...
I haven't seen the new 2011 Bulgari Diagono 303 yet
