Bvlgari Two-Tone Stepped Case by Gérald Genta

The 1970s marked a fascinating chapter in Bvlgari's history. Long before the Octo became the brand's contemporary design icon, the Roman jeweler looked to one of the twentieth century's greatest watch designers, Gérald Genta, to help define its emerging identity in watchmaking. The result was a series of elegant, architecturally inspired creations that blended Italian style with Swiss craftsmanship, still refreshingly modern today.

This remarkable two-tone Bulgari is one of those designs.

Attributed to Gérald Genta and dating to the mid-1970s, the watch embodies his unmistakable talent for transforming simple geometry into something memorable. Measuring 27mm by 30mm, its stepped case is crafted in 18k white and yellow gold, with alternating tones that emphasize the layered architecture of the bezel. The effect is sculptural without ever feeling excessive, a hallmark of Genta's best work, like the Royal Oak or Nautilus.

The minimalist black dial provides the perfect counterpoint to the richly detailed case. Slender gilt baton markers radiate outward between oversized numerals at twelve and six, while the absence of unnecessary text or decoration allows the design to speak for itself. It is a study in proportion, contrast, and restraint.

Powering the watch is a manually wound movement that preserves the slim profile collectors prize in pieces from this era. Completing the package is its original black lizard strap secured by the original 18K gold Bulgari buckle. The case itself remains especially well preserved, retaining its original caseback sticker and crisp hallmarks.

Produced at a pivotal moment in Bulgari's history, when fine jewelry, industrial design, and haute horlogerie began to converge, this uncommon timepiece captures the creative confidence that would eventually lead to some of the most influential watch designs of the modern era. Elegant, architectural, and unmistakably Gérald Genta, it is a hidden gem from one of watchmaking's most inspired creative partnerships.

Founded by Greek entrepreneur and silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris in Rome in 1884, Bvlgari has since become a luxury powerhouse.

Following its acquisition of the Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth brands from Singapore’s The Hour Glass in the early 2000s, the maison began a process of vertical integration that has allowed it to produce watches on par with the best from historical Swiss firms, the likes of which have stunned the world in the form of the Octo Finissimo collection. Indeed, having broken eight world records for thinness in as many years, the 2020s have proven Bvlgari to be a watchmaker unparalleled in modern history.

In 2011, Bvlgari was purchased by the LVMH Group, ensuring an allocation of resources and limelight that have placed the brand at the center of the watch buying public’s attention. From simple, time-only pieces to some of the world’s most complicated watches — and the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, full stop — Bvlgari’s watchmaking division continues to develop some of the most stunning timepieces in the world, each imbued with a certain Roman charm and sophistication.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a two-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.