Bulgari - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2023 Hong Kong Tuesday, March 28, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Bulgari
    Year: Circa 2022
    Reference No: 103613
    Case No: BU1LJPV
    Model Name: Gerald Genta Collection, Arena Retrograde, Smiling Mickey Mouse
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. BVL262, 34 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Canvas
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Gérald Genta deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 41mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Gérald Genta certificate dated 19th March 2022 stamped Bulgari S.A Geneve, Bulgari certificate, hangtag, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - In the year 2000, Bulgari acquired the Gérald Genta brand and integrated the manufacturing of their timepieces into Le Sentier. With Genta’s expert artisans and decades of knowledge, this merger helped lay the foundation for Bulgari as an unrivalled force in the world of high-end watchmaking.

    - A true game-changer in haute horology, the original Genta-designed Arena watch was the first retrograde model on the market, flaunting the unanticipated concoction of jumping hours and retrograde minutes. An exotic and complex concept that represents a triumph of precision and proficiency, this exacting mechanism would then become one of the esteemed watchmaker’s most recognised and signature masterpieces under his own name.

    - Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney’s most iconic whimsical character is another signature of the Gérald Genta brand, with emphasis on the representation of time using his arm and pointed finger. Staying true to the watchmaker’s design codes, the present Arena Retrograde is the first edition of Bulgari’s Gérald Genta Collection, featuring a silvered sunburst dial with a lacquered “Smiling Mickey Mouse”. Fitted in an iconic rounded case with a fluted caseband, this ingenious design is not just a sight to behold, but is also operationally foolproof, where the hours can easily be operated via the push corrector at 9 o’clock.

    - Delivered in factory sealed condition with its original accessories, the present example is one of a limited edition of 150 pieces only, launched in 2021. Given the hype around Bulgari’s latest “Mickey Mouse Playing Football” edition that just launched this November, this is an excellent opportunity for collectors to add this fun and rare Arena Retrograde with a “Smiling Mickey Mouse” to their Gérald Genta Collection.

  • Artist Biography

    Bulgari

    Italian

    Originally from Kalarites, Greece, Sotirios Voulgaris emigrated to Rome because of Greece's rising poverty and difficulty separating from the Ottoman Empire. He set foot on Italian soil in 1880 with little money in his pocket and spent the next four years preparing what would go on to become Italy's oldest jewelry company. 

    In 1884, Bulgari opened its doors to the Italian people with its offering of jewelry and accessories. Bulgari's style takes from traditions in Greek and Roman craftsmanship to elegantly balance volume and subtlety. Later, in the late 1960s, Bulgari bridged classicism and modernity by introducing its seductive, now-iconic Serpenti collection of snake-shaped coil bracelets and watches. It is through its meticulous combination of influences that Bulgari has garnered an international and loyal high-profile clientele, which included Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. These Hollywood stars have immortalized the house's unique gem-adorned bracelets, necklaces and earrings in rounded forms. 

    View More Works

8043

Ref. 103613
An unworn and attractive limited edition stainless steel wristwatch with jumping hours, retrograde minutes, certificate and presentation box, one of a limited edition of 150 pieces, factory sealed

Circa 2022
41mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€12,000-23,900
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$165,100

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Spring 2023

28 March - 4 April 2023