Bvlgari Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon: a Musical Masterpiece

More than just a couple of notes: an outstanding acoustic complication with an ultra-modern design.

Bvlgari showcased two novelties at the LVMH Watch Week in January which showcase the company's resounding musical achievements. One of them was the Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon designed to demonstrate the solution watchmakers managed to find to the problem of how high-frequency sound propagation restricts the choice of materials and structural decisions.

They've also managed to create a watch characterized by state-of-the-art design while they were at it. The watch's components do a terrific job at harmonizing the aesthetic and practical functions connected to the paramount musical component in this minute repeater and tourbillon model. The novelty's case, bezel and caseback are made of platinum, while the openworked middle-case is fashioned from titanium.

The grooved caseband was specially constructed with the aim of improving the watch's acoustic qualities, while also an extension of the style set by the lower grille on the dial. It plays a role by giving the model a dynamic look and simultaneously providing a view of the features on the hand-wound caliber BVL428.

The three hammers of the chiming mechanism are positioned at 10 o'clock. Unlike most repeaters which make do with two gongs, Bvlgari's movement with three produces the note "C" to chime the hours, the notes "E-D-C" for the quarters, and the note "E" to sound the minutes.

The watch's case measuring 44 mm in diameter and 12.83 in height has been enlarged in order to improve the propagation of sound, while the gongs positioned around the movement are directly attached to the case middle.

The gongs are folded and formed by hand and then hardened at a temperature of 900 degrees Celsius. And that's not all, they need to undergo further "ironing" in an oven at 500 degrees Celsius in order to achieve a crystal-clear sound.

The three openings on the caseband correspond to the three gongs and allow sound to be leave the chamber. The caseback is also solid and has a titanium grille for sound diffusion. Everything is streamlined towards a unified goal, achieving a rather impressive look in the process.  The full orchestra of caliber BVL428 which measures 35 mm in diameter and 8.35 mm in height is comprised of 432 components.

The movement's single barrel ensures a power reserve of no less than 75 hours. Its bridges have been turned deep-blue using a carbon-based vacuum coating technique. The watch limited to a 30-piece series has its look completed by a blue alligator leather strap with a platinum triple-blade folding buckle.