Amazing Grace: The New Bvlgari Divas’ Dream Peacock Collection Revealed at the Dubai Watch Week 2023

As Dubai Watch Week begins today, the watch world is ready to witness the launch of a wide array of spectacular timepieces. Bvlgari is one of the celebrated brands participating in the watch gala. The Maison is showcasing the latest variants in its Divas’ Dream line-up. 

The new watches reinterpret the Divas’ Dream Peacock collection from 2017, with enhanced marquetry and artistic craftsmanship. While the brand’s iconic Serpenti coils around the wrist, the Peacock stuns by unfurling its arched feathers in a wheel. The watch is crafted with a multitude of arabesques and curves, a notable aspect of the brand’s stylistic lexicon, reminiscent of the mosaic designs at the Baths of Caracalla.

The newly unveiled masterpieces attest to Bvlgari’s craftsmanship and remind collectors of the most exquisite and precious ancient mosaics. These include the Divas’ Dream Peacock Feather Marquetry, the Divas’ Dream Peacock Mother-of-Pearl Marquetry, and the Divas’ Dream Peacock Precious Marquetry with Jumping Hours and Retrograde Minutes, an opulent creation featuring a rose gold dial, set with diamonds and inlaid with aventurine and malachite. 

GMT India takes a closer look at the collection that has just been launched at the Dubai Watch Week 2023.

Divas’ Dream Peacock Feather Marquetry

An ode to the majestic plumage of the blue peacock, the Divas’ Dream Peacock Feather Marquetry watch features 12 feathers in variations of blue on the dial. These feathers, also known as ‘hairs’, have been naturally shed and subsequently collected. The feathers are then meticulously selected for their extraordinary colours and textures and inlaid by using a technique originating in antiquity. This craft was also popular during the Renaissance in Italy. It was then rediscovered by Bvlgari in the 1970s. The process takes several days even though it requires a few basic tools – a magnifying glass, tweezers, a knife and scissors. The 33 mm case of the watch is crafted in 18 ct rose gold and the 18 ct rose gold bezel is embellished with 48 round brilliant-cut diamonds; the fan-shaped links are set with 28 round brilliant-cut diamonds. 

Divas’ Dream Peacock Mother-of-Pearl Marquetry

Depicting the regal silhouette of the bird in gold and mother-of-pearl, the Divas’ Dream Peacock Mother-of-Pearl Marquetry features fan-shaped feathers that sweep across the lower dial. A tuft adorning the peacock’s head, complete with a beak in rose gold, is set against a delicate backdrop of white mother-of-pearl. With its theatrical tail evoking a starry sky, it exhibits the multifaceted symbolism of this magnificent creature, evoking wealth, protection, and wisdom. The brand demonstrates its craftsmanship here as mother-of-pearl marquetry is quite challenging due to the material’s fragility. The mother-of-pearl has been painted on reverse and the dial has been intricately carved with varying shades of blue, set into carved recesses. The watch is presented on a dark blue alligator strap.

Divas’ Dream Peacock Precious Marquetry with Jumping Hours and Retrograde Minutes

Boasting a blend of craftsmanship and high watchmaking, this Divas’ Dream watch depicts a peacock in fascinating three-dimensional marquetry. Drawing inspiration from the cabochon cut, a Bvlgari hallmark since the 1950s, a sapphire dome floats above the majestic form of this precious creature. Its intricate plumage reflects the shape of its tail fan. All components are curved to fit perfectly within the layered structure. The timepiece is further bedecked with rose gold, snow-set diamonds, aventurine, and malachite. In ancient Rome, it was believed that malachite protected one against misfortune. Another testament to the Italian mastery of many rare artisanal skills is the aventurine glass, named so because it was created "per avventura" (by chance) in 14th century Murano. As a final detail, the peacock's emerald eye and cabochon-cut crown are adorned with tsavorites, an exquisite detail on an extraordinary timepiece.

The timepiece is powered by the BVL 262 Manufacture movement, which magnifies the craftsmanship deployed. While the jumping hour is placed in the aperture at 12 o’clock, a retrograde hand is located on the upper part of the dial, indicating the minutes. 

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