ulgari Watches introduces Barocko, a new collection that pays homage to the unbridled magnificence of Rome’s artistic and architectural heritage. Historically, the baroque movement began as a rebellion from the strict lines of classicism, a heady embrace of exotic motifs and unapologetically exuberant themes. Channeling this drama and grandeur, its sense of movement and abundance, Barocko is as complex and unpredictable as anything Bulgari has ever created.

With these new exclusive High Jewellery collection and high-end watch creations, the brand telegraphs a message of hope and optimism. Vibrant colors, extraordinary light effects, fanciful shapes and exquisite details convey a sense of joy and positivity, which spreads all over the world.

“Barocko means meraviglia, that is marvels, illusions by Italian beauty, and by the uniqueness of Rome,” says Fabrizio Buonamassa, Bulgari Product Creation Executive Director. “It means filling empty space with new proportions. At Bulgari, we are always inspired.”

The three Barocko timepieces represent a new pinnacle for the Roman Jeweller of Time. The first masterpiece, the High Jewellery Lady Arabesque secret watch, is designed as a set with the Lady Arabesque necklace, which is exquisitely crafted in the Bulgari High Jewellery Atelier in Rome, and the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Arabesque. The Arabesque shape is a key figure in baroque architecture, a touchstone of the romantic eclecticism that defined the era’s churches and palazzi. The third watch creation, the Serpenti High Jewellery Baroque Pearls secret watch, draws on the theatricality of baroque, evoking the gorgeously textured pearls and lace that adorned the fashions of the time and gave designs a sense of intricacy.

High Jewellery Lady Arabesque secret watch

The High Jewellery Lady Arabesque secret watch is crafted in pink gold with a single round rubellite measuring just under 12 carats, nearly 30 carats of pink sapphires, Paraiba tourmalines, emeralds, and some 13 carats of variously cut and pavé-set diamonds. The brilliant jewels recreate the richly textured lace that was a hallmark of Baroque, a delicate and daring execution that relies upon Bulgari jewellery-making expertise.

Octo Roma Arabesque

The Octo Roma Arabesque follows a similar aesthetic, embellishing the 44mm case with a baroque embroidery of pink sapphires, tourmalines, emeralds and diamonds. As the thinnest Tourbillon on the market, the insides of the watch are no less impressive, and feature the mechanical manufacture caliber BVL 268. It is a juxtaposition of minimalism and maximalism and a triumph of technical expertise.

Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery Baroque Pearls secret watch

Baroque’s iconic aesthetic, defined by sinuous lines, voluptuous shapes, intricate complexity and unpredictable fascination, is revisited through the Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery Baroque Pearls secret watch. An upscale, one-of-a-kind piece within the Barocko collection, set with emeralds, Akoya pearls and diamonds, the piece is meant to rewrite the rules of High Jewellery design and manufacturing and to pay homage to the “Perla Scaramazza”. An irregular natural pearl that is all the more spectacular due to its uniqueness and imperfect shape, it was used in jewelry during the Baroque period (XVI–XVII) and eventually baptised the “Baroque pearl”.

One of the most complex pieces in the Barocko collection, this creation required 2,300 hours to complete. Diamond pavé swirls channel the baroque inspiration, as do the over 220 pearls that embellish the incredibly supple bracelet. Chosen and matched for consistent color and size, the pearls alternate with diamond-set rings to demarcate the piece and align with the iconic Serpenti aesthetic. A rare cabochon-cut emerald of over 12 carats hides the snow-set diamond dial.