For SENSE, Watches Are Like Jewelry | BVLGARI

Bulgari

A New Watch from a Prestigious Luxury Brand

In this feature, the editor-in-chief of a popular men's magazine discusses the Bulgari "Octo," a watch that has become a new design standard with its distinctive octagonal shape. This time, SENSE editor-in-chief Mamoru Moriya shares the appeal of the "Octo" from various perspectives, including its design and values, and what a watch means to a man.

Photographs by Takashi Kobayashi (ITARU studio)Text by Yuji Ito (OPENERS)

Wearing it with an Accessory Mindset, with an Appreciation for its Value

I already own an "Octo" and the reason I bought it was its "calm dignity without being obnoxious." Of course, Bulgari is a jeweler, but to me, it projects an image of a chic, understated man rather than a jeweler. I want to infuse that image a little more into SENSE. In SENSE magazine, watches are now considered accessories. The main readers grew up with street culture and now enjoy a wide range of styles, from casual to luxury brands. That's the reality.

For SENSE, a watch is like jewelry | BVLGARI

SENSE Editor Moriya

Within that context, we aim for a style where the watch is seen as a cool bracelet, a chic accessory.

This might be a slightly unique perspective, but I believe it's realistic. While I understand that watches are tools for telling time, this "Octo" excels as an accessory that enhances the refinement of one's wrist, rather than focusing on its functions. The balance between the small dial, the thick lugs, and the black alligator strap feels very bracelet-like, which is great.

For SENSE today, a watch is an item that allows you to assert yourself within fashion and express your individuality. In the past, you might have expressed yourself with a message on a T-shirt, or through various other methods. That's why more people are not wearing watches now, but that style can look rather plain.

In the past, watches were sometimes called a symbol of status, but for SENSE, they are an extension of fashion. Rather than status, they are an item that appeals to a person's individuality. That's why even someone with a street background, upon maturing and settling down, might choose a brand like Bulgari, and opt for a chic design like this, with a black dial and a thick strap. As a result, the "Octo" is a viable option as an element that constitutes one's personal style.

A Long-Established Brand Should Take on Innovative Challenges

Regarding the design features of the "Octo" itself, as exemplified by the case shape, the attention to detail is evident even from an accessory perspective. The octagonal edges within the watch add a punkish edge; this sharp detail prevents it from feeling too rounded. Someone unfamiliar with the "Octo" would likely have their preconceived notion of "Bulgari = elegant" overturned, in a good way. There's no need for a long-established brand to remain as it is. Established, elegant brands should be the ones to do innovative things.

We want to feature items like this in SENSE, and the same applies to the fashion industry: the best approach is innovation from an established brand. Therefore, this "Octo" is from an established, traditional brand, yet it has evolved into a design that suits the current mood. This is achieved through the accumulation of meticulous craftsmanship in each detail, which creates a uniquely masculine atmosphere. The retrograde design is also distinctive, and it's so cool I want to take it home (laughs).

The "Octo Monoretro" Complements a Wide Range of Stylish Outfits

As proposed in SENSE, today's coordination is basically black. However, by deliberately varying the textures, I wanted to express a sense of depth, like layering, even though the colors are the same. It has a contemporary casualness but I tried not to make it too sloppy. That said, it's comfortable to wear and highly functional. So, I chose jodhpurs as relaxed pants and sneakers for my feet. And for the blouson, I selected an MA-1 made of nylon material, which is also trendy, to pair with the "Octo Monoretro."

My impression of the other watch, the "Octo Velocissimo," is that it seems likely to appeal to a general audience. If I were to build an outfit around this watch, I'd want to pair it with a masculine black suit with slightly wider lapels. Wearing this watch with such a suit creates a sense of contrast and offers a stylish deviation from pairing a chronograph with a suit. If you pair it with casual wear, it just becomes sporty, so I'd deliberately go for a dressier look.

My recent trend in choosing items has been leaning towards a more minimalist direction. This is because, having encountered many beautiful objects, excellent products, and new fashion trends, and having developed a sense of taste, I've come to believe that for expressing one's individuality, simpler designs for the items themselves are best. Therefore, the simpler "Octo Monoretro" can be worn with casual outfits like today's, as well as with suits, and it would even suit a rider's jacket. For SENSE readers who enjoy a wide range of styles, I hope the "Octo" can be used as a tool to add a sophisticated touch to their outfits.