Created at the end of the 1990s, in 2020 the Aluminium was relaunched by Bulgari in grand style: the non-conformist and revolutionary spirit of the time, expressed in the combination of aluminium and rubber, remained unchanged, but new technical updates improved its performance with the introduction of automatic movements. Aimed at a younger clientele than the brand's benchmark, it became the entry level in the men's segment, with ETA base movements.
Among the latest new versions offered by Bulgari is a new chronograph that slightly increases the size of the case (from 40 to 41 mm) and introduces a new movement: the automatic B381 calibre (Sellita base with Dubois-Depraz module) with a 42-hour power reserve.
The identity remains the same. The lightness of the aluminium case is combined with elements in materials that can offer protection against shocks: this is the case with the case back and crown in titanium with Dlc treatment and the rubber bezel.
Two versions are available: with a two-tone dial, which re-proposes the characteristic black/white contrast of the original, here made even more evident by the presence of the black counters; or the unprecedented all black dial, with which the chronograph takes on an almost more elegant connotation. The strap, a characteristic feature of this model since its origins, is composed of rubber segments joined by movable aluminium joints. The pin buckle is also made of aluminium.
More innovative in its colours is the Capri Edition, a tribute to the famous island and to our country, recalling Bulgari's Italian roots. It consists of two limited series models (1,000 pieces each): a solotempo and a chronograph, featuring the blue colour theme of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Both have a 40 mm case and a blue rubber bezel and strap. Colour also echoed on the dials in a beautiful shaded shade. The case back is personalised with an engraved image of the Faraglioni of Capri.
The chronograph is equipped with the calibre B130 (base ETA 2894-2) as in the previous 2020 version; the solotempo is instead driven by the automatic calibre B77 (base ETA 2892) with date function. From July, a Match Point version will also be available, designed for tennis enthusiasts, with a green rubber strap and bezel, crown on the left and Velcro strap.
Prices5,000 euro Aluminium Chrono; 5,200 euro Aluminium Capri Edition Chrono; 3,600 euro Aluminium Capri Edition solotempo.
