The Bulgari Divas’ Dream Mosaica

Bulgari’s watchmaking renaissance has produced some remarkable watches. While the Octo has asserted itself as a pillar of incontestable elegance and thinness, women around the world have succumbed to the seductive sinuous charms of Bulgari’s snake mascot, the Serpenti. The iconic Roman jeweller, renowned for its exuberant colours, sensual cabochon cuts and design bravura, introduced the sensual Divas’ Dream collection in 2016, designed to capture the voluptuous curves of Italian Dolce Vita screen divas. Kicking off LVMH Watch Week, Bulgari launches new editions of the Divas’ Dream Mosaica, two new high jewellery mechanical editions that marry Bulgari’s iconic style with the ancient Roman art of mosaic picked out in gradient sapphires.

Two years ago, Bulgari released three Divina Mosaica models, including a stunning diamond-set minute repeater, with sumptuous gemstone-set dials recreating a motif borrowed from Rome’s ancient Caracalla Baths. Initiated by emperor Septimus Severus in 206 AD and completed by his son Caracalla in 216, the luxurious Caracalla Baths were referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the world. Unlike frescoes that have faded over time, mosaics are among the best-preserved relics of Roman art. Inspired by the fan-shaped ginkgo leaf used to decorate some of the mosaics in the baths, the motif is reproduced on the dial with gradient sapphires. Available in a white gold case with a medley of blue sapphires and rose gold with luscious pink sapphires, the dynamic gemsetting is quintessential Bulgari. Using different-sized gemstones, the fan-shaped motifs on the dial use darker sapphires in the wider area of the fan, gradually diminishing in intensity as the motif tapers to a point. Accompanied by a scintillating setting of white diamonds, the gemstones form a fluid canvas that belies the hardness of the precious stones.

The high jewellery 37mm white gold model is set with round brilliant-cut diamonds (~ 7.8 carats) and blue sapphires (~3 carats) on the case, case flanks, bezel, dial and bracelet. A signature Bulgari touch, the white gold crown is embellished with a plump blue sapphire cabochon. Fitted with white gold hands, the hour markers are represented by large blue sapphires set on the bezel. Ranging from dark blue to light sky blue, the fan-shaped areas on the dial feature a refined gradient setting of blue sapphires accompanied by a scintillating setting of white diamonds. The fan-shaped motif extends to the beautifully crafted and articulated white gold bracelet set with diamonds.

Glowing with the warm light of pink sapphires (~3.5 ct) and the fire of ~ 3.8 ct of diamonds, the 37mm rose gold case has a similar setting to the white gold model but features the signature fan-shaped lugs of the Divas’ Dream collection that embrace the pink alligator strap. The pink sapphire cabochon in the crown matches the colour of the pink sapphire hour markers on the bezel and the sapphires on the extremity of the lugs. Like the blue sapphire model, the fan-shaped areas are set with different-sized stones that progress from rich magenta to pale pink at the tips.

The Divas’ Dream Mosaica models are powered by Bulgari’s automatic manufacture calibre BVL 191, also known as the Solotempo, introduced in 2013. With a frequency of 28,800vph, the movement delivers a 42h power reserve. The central rotor is mounted on ceramic ball bearings, decorated with Geneva stripes, and can be seen through the transparent area of the caseback.

Price upon request. More information at bulgari.com.