Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette and Octo Finissimo Dedicated to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Bvlgari introduces a collection of watches that pay homage to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two icons of Mexican art, reaffirming its connection with the cultural world and its admiration for timeless artistic expression. Each piece, conceived as a narrative tribute, reflects the devotion to the living legacy of these artists. This special edition, the result of three years of collaboration between their representatives, celebrates the invaluable influence of both.

From Canvas to Wrist

Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Executive Director of Watch Creation at Bvlgari, presents this special edition as a sincere tribute from the Roman Maison to Mexico and two of its most representative artists. More than watches, these creations are the result of a rigorous process of research and sensitivity, designed to honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Passionate about Mexico and Latin American culture, Fabrizio recognizes that Kahlo and Rivera are not only historical figures but also a transcendental legacy, an echo of dreams captured for eternity. These creations seek to exalt the magnificence of Mexican culture, narrating stories through the language of art. Bvlgari, through Fabrizio Buonamassa's vision, offers a new perspective on the legacy of Frida and Diego, beyond their sentimental bond, highlighting their dedication to art as a way of life and as a language of freedom.

The collaboration with the Frida Kahlo Corporation and the Rivera family, as well as all the institutions that safeguard the heritage of Kahlo and Rivera during the development of this project, involved embracing a legacy of passion, innovation, and a unique artistic vision. This union has resulted in two watches that transcend the utilitarian to become wearable works of art, symbols of history, and emblems of the timeless connection between Italian craftsmanship and Mexican artistic expression.

The watch inspired by Frida Kahlo is a tribute to her indomitable spirit and her ability to transform adversity into art. Bvlgari seeks to capture her intimate essence, revealing the Frida who felt deeply. As a reminder of her free spirit and unique vision, a verse inspired by Frida adorns the bracelet of the watch.

The creation in honor of Diego Rivera celebrates his lesser-explored facet: that of the design visionary. Inspired by a mural that evokes a clock, located on the roof of one of the terraces of the Frida Kahlo Museum: Casa Azul, this piece embraces imperfection as a declaration of intent. Just as Rivera transformed an error into an aesthetic lesson, this watch is a manifesto that beauty resides in authenticity and the audacity to break established paradigms.

With this collection, Bvlgari celebrates the greatness of Mexico through the eyes of two artists who transformed the world with their ingenuity and passion, reaffirming its own legacy of innovation and excellence. By uniting the timelessness of Kahlo and Rivera's art with Bvlgari's watchmaking tradition, a collection has been created to inspire future generations.

Frida Kahlo: A Legacy of Passion and Resilience

As an embrace of the memory of Frida Kahlo, Bvlgari presents a limited edition of 25 pieces in the world premiere of its new Tubogas Manchette line. Inspired by a Maison design from the 1970s. This reinterpretation pays homage to the daring spirit of Frida Kahlo, a woman who transformed pain into beauty. The design is a vibrant ode to the passion for life, a jewel that reflects the intensity that defined the artist.

Like an inscription engraved on the skin, each Tubogas Manchette celebrates the emblematic Tubogas technique, a tribute to the inspiration that led Bvlgari to defy creative boundaries and that has become an iconic work of the brand. More than a bracelet, it is a work of art that reflects Frida's indomitable spirit.

An intimate inscription adorns the bracelet, taken from the novel about Frida "Diarios de un accidente" by Beatriz Alvarado and inspired by the artist's texts. A writing that describes "More than a thousand ways to kiss" was carefully selected and thumps engraved in each curve of the Tubogas Manchette made in yellow gold.

Bvlgari's micro-engineering manifests itself in the Lady Solotempo mechanical movement, transforming this watch into a masterpiece. Fifty hours of craftsmanship gave life to each piece, turning them into treasures.

Diego Rivera: A Visionary Artist

Diego Rivera, a titan of Mexican art, captured the rich history and culture of Mexico in his murals. His monumental frescoes, embodied in public buildings and museums, are a testament to his enormous talent and love for his country.

Bvlgari honors his legacy with a special edition of the award-winning Octo Finissimo. This watch, a paradigm of elegance and design, reflects the grandeur that characterized Rivera's art. The Octo Finissimo, known for its ultra-thin profile and geometric lines, fuses technical skill and aesthetic refinement, qualities that resonate with the scale and scope of Rivera's artistic contributions.

Inspired by a clock that crowns the roof of one of the terraces of the famous Frida Kahlo Museum: Casa Azul, the residence of Diego and Frida and where he himself formed a transcendental part of the architectural design, this special edition of the Octo Finissimo evokes the play of perspective where the Roman numeral marking "11" was also repeated at "9" as an echo of his personal universe and a nod that emphasizes perfection within a possible imperfection.

Limited to 25 pieces in yellow gold with an ultra-thin automatic movement, this edition features Roman numerals for the first time in an Octo Finissimo, fusing the inspiration of the master Rivera with the Italian spirit of Bvlgari. Numerals 7 and 8 are visible, while the off-center second hand has been crafted in yellow gold to visually integrate into the dial. The back of the case is engraved with Diego Rivera's signature and includes a drawing that evokes a self-portrait of the artist. The yellow gold crown, adorned with ceramic and numbered, turns each creation into a collectible work of art.

This special edition of Bvlgari not only pays tribute to the timeless genius of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera but also embodies the Maison's deep respect for the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Mexico. The result of a meticulous and transparent collaboration, which had the fundamental approval and support of the Frida Kahlo Corporation, the Rivera family, and the institutions that safeguard their cultural heritage, Bvlgari has managed to forge a collection that transcends luxury watchmaking. This unwavering commitment to protecting the legacy of both artists has made it possible to create an enduring bridge between Italian craftsmanship and the vibrant Mexican spirit, celebrating the beauty of respectful collaboration and the power of art to connect cultures through time.

Frida Kahlo® and Diego Rivera® are registered trademarks used under license. All images and references have been approved by their respective rights holders.

Technical specifications

Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette - Frida Kahlo Limited Edition

Reference: 104092

Limited edition of 25 pieces

Case

• Material: 18-carat yellow gold case and bezel
• Dimensions: 19mm
• Yellow gold crown
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• White mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.12 ct) as indices
• Yellow gold-plated hands

Movement

• Self-winding - BVS100 Lady Solotempo manufacture movement
• Oscillating mass decorated with the Bvlgari logo and sunray decoration
• Diameter: 26 mm
• Thickness: 3.90 mm
• Power reserve of 50 hours

Functions/Indications

• Hours and minutes

Strap and buckle

• Single-wrap yellow gold Tubogas bracelet with engraved poem
• Size: 135 mm

MSRP

• CHF 64'000
• EUR 75'000

Technical specifications

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo - Diego Rivera Limited Edition

Reference: 104221

Limited edition of 25 pieces

Case

• Material: 18-carat satin-polished yellow gold
• Dimensions: 40 mm
• Thickness: 6.40 mm
• Sapphire crystal caseback with engraved Diego Rivera signature and self-portrait sketch
• Polished yellow gold screw-down crown set with numbered ceramic insert
• Water-resistant to 30 meters

Dial and hands

• Brushed yellow gold dial with black hands and Roman numeral indices
• Roman numeral "11" repeated at "9"
• Yellow gold-plated small seconds hand

Movement

• BVL 138 ultra-thin self-winding movement with micro-rotor (2.23 mm thick).
• Caliber is hand-decorated with Côtes de Genève, beveled, and finished with perlage.
• Power reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 21'600 VpH (3Hz)

Functions/Indications

• Hours, minutes, and off-center small seconds

Strap and buckle

• Satin-polished yellow gold bracelet with integrated folding clasp

MSRP

• CHF 49'200
• EUR 56'000

For more information, please visit bulgari.com