The Bvlgari Dilemma: Evaluating Watch Prices

During the watch price surge of 2020-2022, many luxury watch collectors were frustrated by the high prices of popular timepieces above MSRP. However, Bvlgari watches have remained reasonably priced. Beyond top-tier brands, numerous luxury watchmakers offer excellent products well below the list price, with Bulgari being a prime example. In this article, we'll provide an overview of Bvlgari watch prices, past and present.

Bvlgari Watch Pricing Insights

Bulgari's men's watches span from $3,100 for their basic Aluminium model to $45,500 for the solid gold Octo Finissimo. As a top jeweler, Bulgari also offers extravagant diamond-covered high jewelry watches reaching up to $928,000. Beyond gemstones, Bulgari's "Grandes Complications" collection boasts watches worth substantial prices, including the world's thinnest tourbillon and minute repeater, now priced over $150,000 each. The Octo Finissimo Ultra, the second-thinnest mechanical watch ever, was sold for over $400,000.

Bvlgari's Secondhand Market

Fortunately, many Bvlgari watches are available secondhand at significant discounts. For pre-owned Bulgari timepieces, the sweet spot typically falls between $3,000 and $10,000. Within this range, you can acquire a magnesium Bvlgari Diagono at the lower end and most popular modern steel models, including the Octo Finissimo, at the upper end. It's worth noting that in recent years, Bulgari has entered the credible competition in the over-$20,000 range with the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days. Secondhand solid gold Octo models typically range from $22,000 to $35,000.

Budget Bvlgari: Timeless Watches

A quartz ladies' BVLGARI watch from the 1990s can be obtained for under $500, whereas the most affordable men's Bvlgari watch worth considering is likely a used Diagono, priced around $1,000. The Diagono, reminiscent of Bulgari's response to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, is a refined sports watch despite its slightly outdated design. Many of these older Bvlgaris are quite decent, though their finish may not match Bulgari's current standards, especially after their acquisition by LVMH in 2011.

Regarding new watches, the basic Bvlgari Aluminium model, priced at $3,100, stands as the most economical men's option in Bulgari's lineup. The least expensive current ladies' watch is the iconic BVLGARI model, which holds significant historical importance in Bulgari's watchmaking, featuring a quartz movement. While its list price is $3,800, it can be sourced from grey market dealers for approximately $2,500.

Bvlgari's Extravagant Watches

In 2019, Bulgari unveiled a variation of their Octo L’Originale adorned entirely with over 50 carats of baguette diamonds, marking it as the priciest Bvlgari timepiece to date with a retail tag of $928,000. In 2022, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra etched its place in wristwatch history as the inaugural mechanical watch with a case thinner than 2mm. Only 10 exemplars of the remarkable 1.8mm-thin Octo Finissimo Ultra were crafted, each fetching a retail price of €400,000, signifying the most expensive non-diamond Bulgari watches by a considerable margin.

The Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater, touted as the slimmest minute repeater globally, follows suit as one of the priciest Bvlgari timepieces with a resale value averaging around $170,000. Bulgari has also introduced an Octo Finissimo tourbillon edition and a platinum minute repeater, both commanding secondhand prices of approximately $150,000. Additionally, Bulgari's collection of stunning gem-covered high-jewelry ladies' watches, priced upon request, often soar into six figures.

Bvlgari Timepieces: Value or Vanity?

Given that a secondhand platinum rattrapante Bvlgari chronograph can be acquired for $10,000, and the appealing Octo Velocissimo chronograph is available for $7,000—approximately half the cost of comparable models—Bulgari undeniably presents an enticing horological value proposition. Another notable inclusion among the reasonably priced Bvlgari watches is the magnesium-cased Diagono ref. DG41SMC, obtainable for under $3,000.

Bvlgari Watches: Investing or Just Admiring?

While we don't endorse purchasing watches strictly as investments, we can highlight that currently, Octo Finissimo models—especially the skeletonized variations—appear to retain their value best among Bulgari timepieces. Despite Bulgari crafting high-quality watches, it's important to manage expectations; don't anticipate selling one for more than its original purchase price.

Decoding Bvlgari Watch Prices: Discount Discoveries

As a general guideline, you should typically find most secondhand Bvlgari watches offered at approximately 25% below their list price without much difficulty. However, this rule isn't universally applicable; the most sought-after models often maintain prices close to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), and for certain models like the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8-Day, you might even expect to pay slightly above the list price. Nonetheless, many pre-owned Bulgari watches can be discovered at discounts of up to half of the list price.

Considering their exceptional quality, distinct designs, and impressive complications in many instances, Bvlgari watch prices appear quite reasonable. It might be wise to seize a heavily discounted Bulgari timepiece while opportunities last. However, with the release of popular models like the Octo Finissimo Skeleton, there's a possibility that secondhand Bvlgari watch prices could trend toward the undesirable over-MSRP territory in the future. Yet, for now, luxury watch enthusiasts have the luxury of selecting from a plethora of Bulgari watches at highly competitive prices.