Bulgari Ladies Diagono Chronographe
An On the Wrist Review
By Ping Tsai
Bulgari Female Elegance Has a Sporty Side
Bulgari’s Diagono collection of watches for men and women carry a tradition of incorporating stylishness and practicality in casual watch wear.The name “Diagono” which is derived from the Greek word meaning “competition”, agon, designates all of Bulgari’s sportier watches and can be easily distinguishable by their signature single lug feature. The men’s Diagono line is extensive without a doubt. But why should men be the only ones to experience the charm of sporty watches and feel the character of their corresponding materials. Luckily women have these options available to them in the Bulgari ladies watch collection. And perhaps one of the best choices is the Diagono Chronographe with ceramic bezel. With the perfect balance of casual sportiness, femininity and classic Bulgari design, the ladies Diagono Chronographe gives women the freedom to explore the more casual side of female elegance but still do it with style.
Bulgari’s sensitivity to the needs and desires of women has always been a stand-out point. Therefore it is not surprising that the Diagono Chronographe was created with the utmost consideration for what women may find appealing in a casual everyday watch. With the features that it offers, it is likely to connect more with the younger Bulgari fans. From the rugged durable case design and larger sizing, to the contemporary styling and feminine detailing, everything about this watch attempts to fulfill the most basic desires of today’s stylish active women.
Case
The Diagono Chronographe features a sized-down version of Bulgari’s signature Diagono circular case in stainless steel with availability in rose gold as well. At 37mm,the ideal size is big enough to be considered a large watch for women but not overly large as to detract from its wearability. With larger watches being increasingly popular among women, the size of the Diagono Chronograph satisfies standards for contemporary styling and gives off an unpredictability factor from a brand that has traditionally placed smaller, jewelry inspired and simple looking watches on women’s wrists.
The stainless steel case has substantial weight and thickness to it when being held and likewise on the wrist as well. Women who aren’t accustomed to wearing bulkier heavier watches may need some time to get used to the extra weight and heft. Those who have worn larger watches before will appreciate this characteristic because the watch feels solid and of high quality.
The case actually wears slightly larger than 37mm because of the angular parts of the case which connect to the lugs as well as the large tubular lugs which connect to the rubber strap. Although the lugs are quite prominent, they don’t become an issue in terms of fit and comfort because of the large range in motion that they allow the strap to flex in.
The ceramic white bezel adds to the sporty character and brightness of the front of the face of the watch. Engraved with the signature BVLGARI BVLGARI logo, it enhances the other white elements of the watch. Matching ceramic chronograph pushers complete the look. The polished surface of the ceramic reflects the light just enough giving it a glassy white quality.
White ceramic has such an ethereal feminine quality that when used in a watch can give it a modern edge and minimalistic beauty. The rugged construction of the case and the resistancy of the ceramic material lets the owner wear the watch with a certain carefree attitude that is rarely felt with polished metal bezels. The first couple of touches to hard surfaces were slightly nerve-racking but after examining the watch and finding it devoid of any marks whatsoever was proof that the watch holds up extremely well in everyday wear.
Although elements on the front of the watch can appear quite feminine, the caseback contrasts starkly with a more masculine look. A double Bulgari logo once again makes an appearance except this time it is embossed in stainless steel. Looking at just the back of the watch, you wouldn’t be able to tell that it is a woman’s watch. The contrasting character from the front to the back of the case reminds the wearer that although the watch is “pretty”, it is still a tough sport watch at the core.
Dial
The Diagono Chronograph has a white mother of pearl dial set with diamond indexes and polished stainless steel hands. The dial gives the watch its primary feminine character and provides the polished bezel with something that is equally showy to frame. Mother of pearl sub-dials and a date display window complete the display encompassing a layout that is somewhat standard but well-balanced.
Movement
The watch comes equipped with an automatic winding movement with 42 hour power reserve. It kept accurate time for the most part but if you skip more than a day of wear from time to time, you will find yourself having to wind it all the time. The screw-down crown is easy to operate to wind the watch and set the time and the rubber grip makes this function a little easier on the fingers. However when you screw it back in, you will need to turn it at least one and a half rotations before it locks to screw in. I can imagine that women with longer fingernails may have a more difficult time with this.
Functions of the watch include a chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds and date. Women really don’t need much more than that when it comes to wristwatches. The chronograph in actuality is excessive in regards to watch functionality for the vast majority of females. This is because most women would not choose a chronograph for what it can do but more so for the way it looks. This is perhaps true for men as well in many cases but likely less.
Strap and Fit
The single best feature about the the Diagono Chronograph is the white rubber strap that comes with it. Rubber straps aren’t terribly common on women’s watches so when you have one, the novelty of it can be a treat in itself. Rubber straps are almost always more comfortable than metal bands or stiff leather straps because of their flexibility and soft, smooth surface texture.
With bright white rubber straps there is always a concern for staining and keeping them clean. Even if the rest of the watch is clean and new, a soiled strap can greatly detract from the attractiveness of any watch. Luckily the rubber strap of the Diagono Chronograph can be easily cleaned with soap and water and emerge looking like new This is a clear advantage over watches with leather straps, where erasing traces of wear is not nearly as easy.
The Diagono Chronograph is without doubt, the most comfortable chronograph that I have ever worn because of the rotational lugs and rubber strap. The carved out underside of the strap and parallel ridges gives the strap its flexibility and account for its high level of comfort. This detail adds to the flex of the strap without taking away from its visual thickness and durability. A strap with a great deal of flexibility allows for a closer fit to the wrist which is important for larger heavier watches such as the Diagono Chronograph for women. The weight of thicker watches can cause them to slide around on the wrist therefore the close fit helps to keep the watch anchored to the wrist.
Final Thoughts
In a world of iPhones, Samsungs and other nifty electronic devices, the ceramic Diagono Chronograph seems to fit right in. It might not be ideal for a cocktail party or formal dinner but would certainly make a proud display of laid-back elegance and high-tech modern style in practically any other setting.
It is a bit of a departure from the glamorous, delicate and colorful pieces that we are used to seeing for Bulgari femmes. However the watch can provide an opportunity for women to dress down and engage in a little more fun and still retain the luxury aspect. With its solid construction and flexible rubber strap, the Diagono Chronograph is strong enough and comfortable enough to take on the daily demands of an everyday watch and always look great while doing so.
Retail Price: $9,200
What are your thoughts on the Bulgari Ladies Diagono Chronograph?