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Music To Our Ears

At the 2021 LVMH Watch Week last month, Bvlgari launched a master piece of sound – the Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon. Here is a deep dive into the workings of this timepiece.

Here is a timepiece that is specially designed to “raise the level of sensorial expression” with the help of sound – the 2021 Bvlgari Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon. Featuring a three-hammer chime that is combined with a tourbillon regulator, the timepiece is a work of expert watchmaking that puts the spotlight on Bvlgari as a Huate Horlogerie hotspot.

Showcasing its ability to perfectly merge cutting-edge technology with technical expertise in the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater and the Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie, this time around Bvlgari transcends all expectation by creating another Sinfonia della Meccanica with the Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon.

Before we get into the details of the watch, let us first understand the meaning of the word “Sinfonia della Meccanica”. The word “Sinofonia” means “an orchestral interlude in a large-scale vocal work in which the Maestro coordinates all the instruments.” With the Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon, the Bvlgari master watchmaker is the Maestro wherein he/she chooses, finishes and assembles hundreds of micro parts to create a specific sound or chime. A typical chiming watch from Bvlgari can include upto 1200 components which is usually used in the case of 4 hammers Grand Sonnerie – a true Sinfonia della Meccanica. This function is set in the in-house manufacture Calibre BVL428 beating inside the Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon. With a thickness of 8.35mm, the movement inside the watch comprises a total of 432 components. It is equipped with two barrels that takes care of the functioning of the sound mechanism and clocks in a power reserve of at least 75 hours.

With a sharp focus on “sound first and foremost”, the timepiece is equipped with a spacious and generous 44mm black DLC coated titanium case with matte finish. The case has been designed in such a way that maximises sound propagation. From the middle part of the case featuring hollowing that reduces the amount of metal between inside and outside to featuring three openings for the sound from the the three chimes to exit the chamber and a hollow back with a meticulously crafted titanium grid that allows sound to be transmitted outside, each aspect of the case is built in tandem to making sure the power and clarity of the chiming watch is not compromised.

Furthermore, the three gongs of the striking mechanism has been hand-crafted and lengthened with file so that the chords of the ringing is more refined. The melodic sequence of the Carillon plays three tones; C for the hours, the mid-re-C notes for the quarters and the mid note for minutes.

The dial of the Bvlgari Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon is skeletonised with the same titanium grid (the one on the back) with the tourbillon cage at 6 o' clock forming the background for the hours and minutes hands. The white gold crown on the side of the case is decorated with a number from 1-15 that indicated its singularity within the 15 piece limited edition.

Strapped to a black alligator leather strap with a three-blade folding clasp, the Bvlgari Octo Roma Clarillon Tourbillon is limited to just 15 pieces worldwide.

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