Throwback Thursday: Bulgari Roma

Although it still seems like a modern classic, the iconic Bulgari Roma watch was introduced in 1976, and it was a pioneeringexample of watch branding, with the Bulgari name, as well as the name of the model, clearly engraved on the bezel. This was Bulgari’s first watch design, and was produced in a limited edition for the Rome boutique of the company that had already become famous for its jewelry. The round 30mm gold watch case had a sharp right angle defined by a cylindrical edge: slender rectangular lugs and a flat-ridged crown accented the sides. The timepiece was at once classical and modern minimalist. The logo on the bezel was such a hit that it led Gianni Bulgari to follow up with a double-logo model: Bulgari Bulgari, also engraved on the bezel.