Thanks for those high magnification shots...lots of effort...

Jul 15, 2008,14:03 PM
 

The 3-level dial (a decorated grayish metal base, gold subdials & indices sitting on top of the anthracite vertically decorated stripes plate) is well executed, sharp definition and no burrs.

The Superluminova on the indices are pretty thick!  I believe the superluminova will be very bright and last pretty long if well-charged, as thickness is a factor for brightness and 'luminescent-duration'.  Actually very cleanly applied too, as could not see any edge spilled over.

Why was the Swiss Made label flanked by two 'S'es ?

Is the dial made by Bvlgari?

However for the hands, I think the Swiss manufacturers should take a look at what Grand Seiko has achieve.

Have a chance to take a close look at Bernard's watch last.  Tried it for a while and took some pics.

The 'start-stop' pusher is surprisingly smooth and affrmative (not loose, positively start & stop).  Toying with it for about 3 minutes, start-stop-start...reset...the chrono-second hand does not skip.
Impressive at a preliminary trial!
 



Though Diagono Calirbro 303 is 42 mm diameter, it does not look massive. Well proportioned.  Could be a versatile piece suitable for  formal and sporty.  Wonder how will it look with dark gray croc-straps...

I wondered why 303... googled....ahh....the answer is " The number “303” indicates the number of components comprising it: exactly 303."




Just find it a bit too flat... may be nicer if the lugs curved downward slightly.



The 18K WG bezel is interesting...chamfered and has a combination of polish and matt surface (see the next picture showing the side view).
My concern is would it be easily scratched.





Refreshing side profile...between the polish & matt surface, the caseband is brushed-finish. Really some efforts for the case too.



Interesting lugs-design....a large screw...even the top of the crown is shaped like a straight-screw head smile Consistency.
The pusher is also decorated...like a friction pad...for non-slip.



Observe the crown...with a screw motif.
From this angle, you could see the whole-case is flat. With a small wrist, the lugs likely to 'stick out'. If the case or the lugs are slightly curved, may
embrace the wrist snugly.




A partial screw-on caseback view. Has a 100m water resistance rating.
Can you see the column wheel? (Between the 'G' & the 'A')



Nice deployant buckle.


Kong


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Bulgari 303, something this good deserves the closest look!....CanonMPE65 (part2of2)

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-08:09
First, a natural look at the 303 after 5 days on my wrist, including the times I played the MDT with pals! Now, the Morrison Digital Trumpet is one awesome machine. But look at the 303!!! In natural light, the Bulgari words appear as a design, the change ...  

Thanks for those high magnification shots...lots of effort...

 
 By: Kong : July 15th, 2008-14:03
The 3-level dial (a decorated grayish metal base, gold subdials & indices sitting on top of the anthracite vertically decorated stripes plate) is well executed, sharp definition and no burrs. The Superluminova on the indices are pretty thick! I believe th...  

Thanks Kong for those pics!!!

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-16:49

KONG

 
 By: Mostel : July 15th, 2008-19:29
your pictures and insights enlarge further add to this watch' (instant) legendary status. Really great pics!! Thank you. It is quite well done.

Thanks Mostel.

 
 By: Kong : July 15th, 2008-22:31

I wonder how many of these will sell solely based on your endorsement Bernard.

 
 By: Mostel : July 15th, 2008-15:33
Because I'm damn curious about this watch now. (but I have to admit I still don't agree with that bezel!)

Ditto [NT] [nt]

 
 By: JDowning : July 15th, 2008-19:29

Bulgari 303

 
 By: VPREGULATOR : July 15th, 2008-20:25
True to being a fashion label, the company takes every opportunity to advertise its name on the dial as well as the bezel. Perhaps they can tone down their enthusiasm and concentrate on making the watch less ostentatious. Rolex's reputation wasn't built u... 

Bulgari's reputation is far away from watches at this point in time.

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-22:07
That is why I find them fascinating. The brand itself is a culture isolated from watch making. It is steeped in the culture of luxury goods and quality. Look at their attention to details in their products. They are run like a military organisation..and t... 

Bulgari 303 far from being a watch maker

 
 By: VPREGULATOR : July 15th, 2008-23:23
Agree with you that Bulgari is a top fashion label. I still prefer their range of perfumes which is unsurpassed. As for watches - I would think they just rank alongside Gucci and Montblanc New kids on the block trying to tap into the lucrative timepiece m... 

Very well said

 
 By: Geo : July 15th, 2008-23:21

Awesome shots!

 
 By: Peter  : July 15th, 2008-16:25
Thks for sharing

Great photography and a clear expression of joy of ownership...

 
 By: nycWIS : July 15th, 2008-16:52
....from a highly-regarded Purist. However, to be honest, while the Bulgari is certainly a nice watch at a decent price point, I don't really find the workmanship noticeably better than other watches in a similar (or lower) price range. The dial workmansh... 

You are 100% correct on that

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-22:27
Those are superlative examples too. ut of late, also very expensive for the new comers who don't know about watches. They feel as if in unknown territory with those very specialised brands..except IWC. But at Bulgari, the brand is itself iconic. Thankfull... 

Patek tie " freebies" are made by Zegna,

 
 By: dreamer : August 6th, 2008-18:09
You are 100 % right with your comment about getting things endorsed or given away by an exclusive brand to be top notch in keeping with the exclusive brands ' values. I appreciate how 7 fold silk ties give the perfect knot. I have all my Patek tie freebie... 

Alignment?

 
 By: AFSG : July 15th, 2008-22:07
Is it an optical effect or is the luminova index at 5 not properly aligned, as per pictures #13 and 14? That aside the bezel is really off-putting... I can't understand why they're not trying to move away from the gaudy image of years past... Anyway, as u... 

Thanks Bernard fpr photos and your opinion

 
 By: dreamer : July 15th, 2008-22:17
Your enthusiam for this watch is very obvious and your deatiled photos are excellent.Suffice to say,I 'll take a closer look at one.Cheers.

Impressive, Bernard...Very impressive, indeed!

 
 By: amanico : July 15th, 2008-22:39
I have to admit that I totally under rate Bulgari in its work for watches... I'm not a big fan of the complex design of this brand, but hey, your post is awesome, and even some details are appealing to me! Like the mix of the colors, and of the levels of ... 

This watch can help the whole watch industry ..win/win

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-22:45
I always have TONS of emails from folks who meet me outside of these forums. They are normal guys and gals who just want a watch..and not our kind as in AHCI or even a Hublot is too "high" or unknown for them. But a Bulgari, Rolex, Omega...these they can ... 

end buyer or industry?

 
 By: AFSG : July 15th, 2008-22:52
Interesting point of view ā€“ Iā€™m not sure a Bulgari is the piece to achieve this actually ā€“ far too branded in my opinion. If anything, this is typically the kind of watch that has a greater effect on the industry than on the buyers ā€“ raises the game for e... 

Haha..man that is a good one!!

 
 By: bernard cheong : July 15th, 2008-23:47
You know, this index alignment issue was a hot topic during the birth of Lange and Sohne's Langematic before 1999..the construct process entailed the issue of placing the index into the slot on the dial by hand, and the index was designed long and thin wi... 

Bulgari Aria GMT

 
 By: nickybkk : September 24th, 2008-04:15