In an unexpected fusion of haute horlogerie and virtual racing, Bulgari has joined forces with the iconic Gran Turismo franchise to unveil a dazzling duo – a cutting-edge concept car for the gaming world and an exquisite timepiece to match.
Breaking new ground as the first non-automotive brand to participate in the esteemed Vision GT program, Bulgari’s collaboration with Gran Turismo showcases the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition 2023 watch. Inspired by the aesthetics of a legendary Italian gran turismo car from the 1990s, this chronograph comes in two striking versions, each a testament to the brand’s commitment to precision and innovation.
The limited edition timepieces, featuring a yellow dial and black counters or an anthracite dial with yellow indices, are housed in a sleek 41mm aluminum case with a titanium caseback, all adorned with a DLC coating. The design, engraved with a distinctive ’10th Anniversary Vision GT’ logo, pays homage to the automotive world, reminiscent of the Bulgari Aluminium watch first introduced in the late 1990s.
The journey from concept to reality began when Bulgari’s design maestro, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, connected with renowned Italian car designer Fabio Filippini, culminating in the birth of the Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT. The collaboration marked a significant milestone for Gran Turismo as it was the first time the in-house design team at PlayStation handled such a project.
Stigliani emphasized the challenge of adhering to Gran Turismo’s strict simulation rules, ensuring that the virtual car could be translated into a real-world, drivable masterpiece. The precision demanded by the gaming platform has even attracted real-world automakers to leverage Gran Turismo’s Vision GT program as a proof of concept for their own vehicles.
For Bulgari enthusiasts eager to experience the adrenaline of the virtual track, acquiring the Bulgari Aluminium x Gran Turismo Special Edition 2023 is the key. Each watch comes with a QR code that unlocks the Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT in the game, providing a unique and immersive link between the tangible and virtual realms.
Stigliani’s vision for the virtual hypercar reflects a desire for a pure, lightweight driving experience, drawing inspiration from classic Italian models of the late 1960s and the aesthetic brilliance of lightweight watches. With a design akin to a go-kart, the Bulgari Aluminium Vision GT promises an exhilarating drive in the virtual realm.
As the gaming and luxury industries continue to converge, Bulgari’s foray into the high-speed world of Gran Turismo signifies a thrilling chapter in the evolving landscape of immersive luxury experiences. Whether worn on the wrist or raced in the digital domain, Bulgari’s collaboration with Gran Turismo is a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the thrilling pursuit of virtual and real-world adventures.
