The press release doth wax most lyrical about the impossibly named Bulgari Octo Quadri-Retro Chronograph: ‘Sturdy yet serene strength, a beautifully structured octagonal case evoking a sophisticated construction… The new Octo Quadri-Retro Chronograph Gerald Genta Collection, crafted in steel and ceramics, symbolises tranquil strength, aesthetic refinement and micromechanical sophistication.’

This new model from Bulgari will be on show at Baselworld 2011 later this week. The 45mm case design takes its inspiration from the signature Gerald Genta octagonal-shape he made famous. Gerald Genta, who turns 80 on May 1st this year, is responsible for some of the world’s most expensive and complicated watches including the Gérald Genta Octo Granda Sonnerie Tourbillion, which has four gongs and rings the Westminster Quarters melody at each quarter and on the hour, “the same melody rung out by London’s Big Ben”, cost: US$810,000.

Back to the Octo Quadri-Retro, and the case-construction accommodates a Swiss automatic Gerald Genta in-house movement – the calibre GG7800. The mechanism provides four retrograde functions: minutes, date and chronograph hour and minute counters. Operating at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour with a 45-hour power reserve.

There’s a jumping-hour function presented via a window at 12 o’clock. As for the chronograph central direct-drive seconds hand, it is unconventionally located at 6 o’clock. This way the hour indication is always perfectly visible. The column-wheel chronograph movement demonstrates traditional finishes.

The stop/start and reset chronograph functions are operated with help of two push-pieces that are integrated within the middle part of the case. The push-pieces protect the crown embellished with an onyx cabochon.

The dial has been created with the help of an ancient cloisonne technique performed in a number of stages. As a result, the dial is divided into distinctly different display zones. The jet black background demonstrates silvered segments, black arcs of a circle with a chapter ring found at 12 o’clock, the date at 6 o’clock, and chronograph hour and minute counters positioned at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively.

The Octo Quadri-Retro Chronograph in steel and ceramics is the follow up to the steel/ceramics Octo Bi-Retro model which won the 2010 Watch of the Year prize awarded by the jury of the Swiss magazine Montres Passion last October. Price is not yet confirmed but expect to dig sufficiently deep to slap down between US$15,000 to US$20,000.

Technical specifications

Self-winding movement: column-wheel chronograph function, jumping hour, retrograde display of the minutes, date and chronograph functions; 21,600 vph, 45-hour power reserve.

45mm steel case: ceramic bezel, steel crown set with an onyx cabochon, cloisonné; dial, water-resistant to 100 metres.

Alligator leather strap: triple-blade folding clasp