This is a bit late, I know, but I wanted to post this watch, because I think it was the most original and attractive of the 2014 World Cup commemorative watches. In bright Brazilian colours, I would imagine that Brazilian customers will not be flocking to buy this piece – they would prefer to forget that the 2014 World Cup ever happened, considering their 7-1 defeat by Germany, but I’m sure it sold well in Munich and Berlin. Whatever, only 50 were made, and I’m sure it will become a collector’s item.
The dial colours are crafted in champlevé enamel, set in a large 43 millimetre case in steel with ceramic and rhodium inserts. Like other Octo watches by Bulgari, the case is a complex design, with 110 facets. Inside, the movement is the automatic in-house calibre GG7722, with 45-hour power reserve. The jumping hours are shown in a window at 12 o’clock, while the minutes and dates are shown on retrograde scales.
Gerald Genta Octo Bi-Retro, 1996 circa, poto courtesy of market.watchprosite.com
The GG in the calibre number is Gerald Genta, who designed the earliest version of this watch before the brand was acquired by Bulgari. This watch is in fact a restyling of the 2010 Bulgari Octo Bi-Retro Steel Ceramic, in turn based on the Gerald Genta Octo Bi-Retro (left), dating back to about 1996.
The Bulgari commemorative watch has a black rubber strap with folding buckle in stainless steel. Limited edition of 50 pieces.
Bulgari Octo Bi-Retro Brazil
Gerald Genta Octo Bi-Retro, 1996 circa, poto courtesy of market.watchprosite.com
