Bulgari recently announced two new ‘secret’ watches—with hidden time displays : the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Monete and the Bulgari Monete Pendant Watch. Both are part of the Monete collection, a Bulgari heritage series. Monete refers to ancient coins used for unique creations and are a reference to the brand’s affinity for classical Greek tradition and ancient Roman culture. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Monete brings together two millennia of history, through the ancient Roman coin bearing the visage of Roman Emperor Constantine I or Saint Constantine, which hides beneath it the intricate mechanisms of contemporary fine watchmaking. The Monete pendant watch again combines high jewelry and fine watchmaking in a dazzling combination and nod to Roman history. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon features a 40 mm-diameter octagonal case in 18kt pink gold, fitted with a 4-silica silver coin, the front of the watch bears the portrait of Emperor Constantine Augustus wearing a diadem. The movement is a mechanical hand-wound Calibre BVL 268 with 253 components and 52-hour power reserve. The Monete Pendant watch, on the other hand, has a 41mm-diameter octagonal case set with brilliant-cut diamonds and rubies, fitted with a silver tetradrachm, with the front displaying Emperor Alexander Magnus, while the back depicts a divinity holding a sceptre and an eagle; the caseback is transparent sapphire crystal and the chain is crafted from 18kt pink gold set with 1,270 brilliant-cut diamonds with 252 rubies. A dazzling show indeed.
