Introduction
A jeweller at heart, BVLGARI was founded in Rome by a Greek silversmith named Sotirios Voulgaris in 1884 and quickly became popular thanks to the brand’s rich Italian design flair inspired by ancient Roman styling, exemplary craftsmanship and off-the-wall creations. With their unique design language, BVLGARI's jewellery quickly made its way to the broader public conscience and enabled BVLGARI to pivot, ever so slightly, into the growing industry of horology and watchmaking with their Serpenti collection of bracelet-watches in the 1940s. After a lengthy hiatus, BVLGARI re-entered the watchmaking space in 1975 with the BVLGARI Roma, which the BVLGARI BVLGARI quickly followed in 1977, which is the same collection that the timepiece we have here belongs to. Launched in the 1990s, the ref. BB 33 GL SK features the BVLGARI BVLGARI’s distinctive round 18kt yellow gold case and flat bezel with its emblematic double-engraved BVLGARI logo and perfectly straight lugs, but with one twist – its completely skeletonized dial and movement. Announcing BVLGARI’s efforts to engage with high-end horology, the ref. BB 33 GL SK combined BVLGARI’s unique aesthetic with their growing eye for horological craftsmanship, resulting in a timepiece that showcases BVLGARI’s artisanal capabilities and flair for design.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Bulgari
Dimensions
33mm x 8mm
Model
Bulgari Skeleton
Movement
Automatic
Reference
BB 33 GLSK
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1990s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Skeletonized
THE DIAL
Entirely skeletonized without any exception, the ref. BB 33 GL SK lacks a dial in the traditional sense, with its skeletonized movement completely on display from the front and back of the watch.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Retaining the Bulgari Bulgari's perfectly round design, the ref. BB 33 GL SK features an 18kt yellow gold case that has since become an iconic piece of Bulgari's heritage in watchmaking thanks to how long it has been in use by the Italian jeweller and watchmaker.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. There are signs of wear, including some marks along the bezel surface and edge. Caseback engravings are crisp and fully visible. Watch comes with its original gold buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Aesthetically unique like so many of Bulgari's daring designs, this timepiece aided in showcasing that Bulgari was more than just a jeweller looking to create cheap fashion watches, but a jeweller interested in genuine watchmaking.
Sam Hines
Managing Director
