The 2023 Bulgari Aluminium Collection, With New Chronos and Capri Editions (Live Pics & Price)

The original Bulgari Aluminium watch was released in 1998 and caused quite a sensation. A hit-watch back in the days, it was cool, different and slightly provocative. A cult model for the brand that even made it on the side of an Alitalia Boeing 747. In 2020, Italian brand Bulgari relaunched this emblematic watch in a design that remained faithful to the original one, but with major technical improvements. Since then, the collection has expanded with a GMT model and various limited/special editions. For 2023, Bulgari adds some new, summery editions – so-called Capri, and it’s easy to understand why – as well as a pair of updated chronographs and a lefty edition to be worn for tennis games.

The Updated Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph

First and foremost, before we speak about the cool and unprecedented limited edition models, let’s focus on standard production watches. From the first day of the relaunch, the Bulgari Aluminium Collection included an automatic chronograph – back then a 40mm watch, with modular ETA 2894 movement and a panda dial. Some updates have been done in 2023. And there’s a new dial too.

First, in addition to the still existing panda version (white dial with black counters, now reference 103722), Bulgari has added a full black model to the collection. The panda version retains the same colour scheme as before, with its black hour markers, black tracks and logos, as well as three snailed black sub-counters. The new black version is more subtle, with its tone-on-tone counters, and all markers, tracks and logos done in white. On both watches, a (smaller than before) date window sits at 4:30 and the seconds hand features a red tip.

That was for the design, but there are some technical updates too on the 2023 Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph. First, the case is now slightly larger, at 41mm instead of 40mm. It retains the same construction, with a matte finished aluminium mid-case, a black rubber bezel, a 100m water-resistance and a titanium caseback, treated with DLC. The crown and chronograph pushers are in DLC-coated titanium. No evolution on the side of the FKM rubber strap, still made of large links connected by aluminium articulated pieces. Last, there’s a new movement inside, named calibre B381 – an automatic Sellita SW300 base with a Dubois-Depraz module on top.

The new Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph 41mm models are priced at EUR 5,000. The white/panda model is now available, the black model is expected in June 2023.

Quick facts: 41mm diameter – aluminium case, titanium caseback, crown and pushers with DLC coating; rubber bezel – 100m water-resistant – sapphire crystal – black or panda dial – automatic calibre B381 (Sellita base, DD module), 42h power reserve – Rubber strap with aluminium links, aluminium pin buckle – reference 103722 in white, 103868 in black – EUR 5,000

The Bulgari Aluminium SoloTempo & Chronograph Capri Editions

With its Italian flair, its cool, casual design and lightweight case, the Bulgari Aluminium has always been a great summer watch. And now, with its 100m water-resistant case, it’s better than ever before… Expect that the Italian brand has just presented two new limited editions (1,000 pieces per version) that are at the top of the summer style. Meet the Bulgari Aluminium Capri Editions. The bay of Naples, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the glamour of Capri…

The Capri Edition, available either in Solotempo or Cronografo versions, capture the spirit of the famous seaside city with a Tyrrhenian blue colour scheme, with a shaded blue dial (a gradient effect from light blue on top, to deep blue at the bottom), yellow accents on the hands, and blue rubber strap and bezel. Both measure 40mm, both are 100m water-resistant and both are now available. The case back features the engraving depicting Capri’s Faraglioni (oceanic rock formations eroded by waves).

The Solotempo model has a classic time-and-date display and is powered by the Calibre B77 (base ETA 2892). This version – reference 103815 – can now be ordered and is priced at EUR 3,600. The Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph Capri edition – reference 103844 – retains the older specifications of this watch, with a 40mm case and the calibre B130 (base ETA 2894). It’s also available now and priced at EUR 5,200. The Capri Edition models come in a packaging that complements the watch’s design, featuring a blue shading. For the specifications of these models, please consult this article.

The Bulgari Aluminium Match Point Edition

Last but not least, the Bulgari Aluminium invades the tennis court, with a new green-coloured, destro edition with Solotempo display. Aptly named the Match Point edition, it is based on the classic time-and-date model with automatic calibre B77 (base ETA 2892), but pays tribute to the tennis community with several updates.

First of all, the matte aluminium case has been turned 180 degrees and the watch is now a so-called destro or lefty, with the crown positioned on the left side at 9 o’clock – ensuring maximum comfort on the wrist when playing. Then, all rubber elements – bezel and strap – now have a dark green colour and the silvery-white dial is accented with green luminescent hands and indexes, with a yellow seconds hand. The DLC-coated titanium caseback features a tennis ball engraving and the watch is delivered in a rather cool packaging, utilizing the same material and colour as a tennis ball. Last but not least, the strap is here closed by a Velccro system in place of the classic pin buckle.

The Bulgari Aluminium Match Point Edition is limited to 800 pieces. It will be available in July 2023 and priced at EUR 3,600.

Quick facts: 40mm – aluminium case, titanium caseback and crown with DLC coating (left side) – 100m water-resistant, sapphire crystal – white dial, with green indexes and hands – automatic calibre B77 (ETA 2892), 42h power reserve – Green rubber strap with aluminium links, Velcro buckle – reference 103854 – limited to 800 pieces – EUR 3,600

for more details, please visit bulgari.com.