Something Bulgari does masterfully with the new Bulgari Bulgari Chrono is play with the light. There are reflective elements on the case and dial, but never does the watch seem so reflective as to be illegible. Let’s figure out why this is… Bulgari uses exclusively flat, mirror polished elements on the dial. Flat surfaces remove that harsh blurry reflectivity you see in less refined dials. The majority of the dial is actually glossy, but done in such a deep onyx black that instead of reflecting light, the dial seems to pleasantly absorb it. The dial is actually just black lacquer, but the technique is very impressive. To increase legibility and dial depth, the chronograph sub dials are recessed. Also done in a totally matte finish, the smaller sub dials offer excellent legibility when it comes to reading the smaller hands and indices.

Even in low lighting the dial is a pleasure to read. I appreciate the two-tone style which is elegant and classy. This dial doesn’t need a hint of red or any other color. Styles like this are proof enough that two color dials are often the best choice for simple beauty. The dial however does not contain a lot of lume for darkness viewing. Having said that, there is lume painted in the hands and near the hour markers, but just not a lot of it. I will however given due credit to Bulgari for putting lume in the sub dial’s hands – that is actually rare to find these days – so bravo.

At first glance, the new generation Bulgari Bulgari isn’t terribly different from the older generation model. That being said, there are numerous little differences and very little is exactly the same. Everything from the case to the dial have been altered. The new case size is 41mm wide, but wears tall with long polished sides. It is actually a very cool case. It appears round from the top, but looking at it from the side you can see how the entire case is curved a bit to wear more comfortably. That means the entire sapphire crystal is also curved. Tight lugs offer a great wearing experience and the pushers and crown are easy to operate and also quite stylish (always a fan of black onyx cabochon crystals).

The case is water resistant to 50 meters, which isn’t too much. So while you can wash your hands, etc… with the piece, we don’t recommend swimming with it. Going back to the Zenith Stratos – that is a much better sport watch. However, the Bulgari Bulgari case is more refined and a bit more comfortable. This is also more of a metropolitan business casual watch, and has use as a high-fashion urban daily wear.

I wasn’t sure what to make of the bracelet, which is also an updated version of the outgoing design. Polished “H” links are connected using brushed links with vertical grooves on each end. It makes for a nice design actually. Bracelet quality is very good, as is the overall finishing of the metal that is crisp but soft to the touch without abrasive or sharp edges anywhere to be found. The bracelet closes with a butterfly style deployant. I like these, but I hope that Bulgari includes a half link allowing for a greater range of precise fits.

In addition to the steel bracelet, the Bulgari Bulgari Chrono in steel comes on an alligator leather strap (ref. 102043). There is also an 18k pink gold version of the Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph (ref. 102044) that only comes on an alligator strap. The versatile design of the Bulgari Bulgari Chrono is the type of object that while once unique, has become a simple classic today. It isn’t a timepiece that screams unique, but careful inspection of it allows the sophisticated watch lovers to appreciate a lot of the detail and refinement that went into the design. Bulgari really is a world-class watch maker and should be considered among the best manufacturers. Under LVMH ownership, the brand has and will continue to refine itself and offer more pieces like the new Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph. Price is $9,500 – $10,200 in steel and $22,800 in 18k pink gold. bulgari.com

Necessary Data
>Brand: Bulgari (Bvlgari)
>Model: Bulgari Bulgari Chrono
>Price: $10,200 USD as tested
>Size: 41mm
>Would reviewer personally wear it: Yes
>Friend we’d recommend it to first: Equal part watch lover and brand diva.
>Best characteristic of watch: A look at the many details reveals a very refined watch from a quality and comfort perspective.
>Worst characteristic of watch: Feels a bit expensive, dial doesn’t have much lume material.