Daniel Roth collection Carillon Tourbillon, $335,000, by BVLGARI.
When the Daniel Roth collection Carillon Tourbillon was unveiled at this year’s BaselWorld, Bulgari was top of the pops: This is, after all, the third consecutive year it has created a top-notch minute repeater.
In 2010, the Octo Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon and Magsonic Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon delivered everything that then-chief executive of the Bulgari Group, Francesco Trapani, had promised it would: Exceptional technical and stylistic savoir faire from the Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth manufactures, with the powerful brand image of the luxury house.
Then there was last year’s Daniel Roth collection Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar. Now, the Carillon Tourbillon - with its unique three-hammer striking mechanism - certainly removes all doubts about the luxury house’s standing among horlogerie greats.
Chiming the time in three crystal-clear notes, the watch houses the new hand-wound DR3300 calibre developed and crafted entirely within Bulgari’s Le Sentier facility. According to Bulgari, the calibre is its first grande complication to come out of its manufacture.
With 327 parts, the calibre is generously sized (34.6mm x 31.6mm) to enhance its acoustic resonance, while its three handcrafted gongs are fixed to the mainplate to minimise friction and, consequently, audio interference. It’s also equipped with two barrels to ensure the smooth running of the striking mechanism and a power reserve of at least 75 hours.
A distinctive cut-out dial displays the watch’s striking mechanism and tourbillon, making it evident that painstaking attention to details has been paid to the finishing of every component - making it a visual spectacle that’s as impressive as its orchestrated chimes.
The tourbillon and minute repeater of Bulgari’s exquisite creation.
