The Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph reference 102045 is the 41 mm steel-bracelet version of the collection’s 2013 update. Ariel Adams’s review makes its strongest case on design: the doubled name on the bezel, carefully finished case and bracelet, and a high-frequency automatic chronograph movement. Its drawbacks are equally practical—limited lume, just 50 m of water resistance, and a price that was already a concern in 2013. The review is a useful account of the watch’s design and specifications, but not a full operating-watch test: the sample’s movement had been blocked for photography.
Which Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph is this?
This review concerns the 2013 steel Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph, reference 102045, on a bracelet. Adams also identifies a steel-and-alligator-strap reference, 102043, and an 18k pink-gold-and-alligator version, 102044. Those variants should not be confused with the separate Bulgari Aluminium Chronograph line.
The distinction matters when searching listings: Bulgari’s current page for Aluminium Chronograph reference 104234 describes a different watch, with a blue rubber bezel and strap, an aluminium-and-titanium case, B381 automatic movement, 42-hour power reserve and 100 m water resistance. Those specifications do not belong to reference 102045. Bulgari’s reference 104234 product page
Design: a distinctive bezel and carefully finished case
The repeated “Bulgari” inscription around the bezel is the defining visual feature, rather than a minor branding detail. Adams traces the original Bulgari Bulgari design to Gerald Genta in 1977, describing the lettering as inspired by the repeated text found on Roman coins. That history is the reviewer’s account.
#1 Best Overall
- Featuring a sleek stainless steel bracelet and a rich black chronograph dial, this Emporio Armani watch delivers fresh style with contemporary panache.
- Case & Movement: 41mm case, 20mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate Quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
- Dial: Round stainless steel case, with a black dial and silver accents.
- Watch Band: Silver, durable stainless steel bracelet with a secure fold-over clasp closure.
- Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable while swimming in shallow water; 5 ATM.
In his description of the 2013 chronograph, Adams highlights a black lacquer dial, recessed matte chronograph subdials, and a curved case and crystal. He also praises the case’s polished details and the bracelet’s contrast of polished “H” links with brushed links, along with its butterfly deployant clasp. These are the impressions of one reviewer, not findings from a comparative finishing test.
Movement and chronograph specifications
Adams reports that the 41 mm watch uses Bulgari caliber BVL 328, which he identifies as a rebranded Zenith El Primero movement. The review gives an approximate 50-hour power reserve and a frequency of 5 Hz, or 36,000 beats per hour.
Rank #2
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Mineral Crystal
- 100M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
| Specification | Reference 102045, as reported in 2013 |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 41 mm |
| Movement | Bulgari BVL 328 automatic chronograph; identified by Adams as a rebranded Zenith El Primero |
| Frequency | 5 Hz / 36,000 beats per hour |
| Power reserve | Approximately 50 hours |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
These are figures reported in Adams’s 2013 review, not a current official specification sheet. He disclosed that the movement in the sample had been blocked for photography, so the article does not establish a full test of its chronograph operation, timekeeping, or power reserve.
Wearability, legibility and water resistance
Adams describes the case as comfortable and refined, and the dial as generally legible. His main readability reservation is limited lume, which makes the watch less suited to reading in darkness than a brightly lumed sports chronograph. His positive comments on comfort and finishing are personal review observations.
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Rank #3
- From Bulova's Men's Marine Star Collection, live and play in maritime watches that feature bold accents, iconic patterns and innovative materials inspired by the sea.
- 6 Hand, 1/20 Second Chronograph Measures up to 60 Minutes, Calendar, Small Second Hand
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
The review reports 50 m water resistance and quotes Adams: “The case is water resistant to 50 meters, which isn’t too much.” He advises against swimming and frames the watch as better suited to urban or business-casual wear. The rating does not make it a diving watch.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Price and whether it is worth buying
Adams listed the steel bracelet reference 102045 at $10,200 USD “as tested” in 2013, and gave a $9,500–$10,200 USD range for the steel model. He listed the 18k pink-gold version at $22,800 USD. These are historical prices only; they should not be read as current retail prices or estimates of present resale value.
Rank #4
- Discover the Precisionist Collection, the world’s most advanced chronograph with a continuously sweeping second hand. Celebrated for its blend of technology and design innovation, features statement-making case shapes and the incorporation of innovative materials.
- 1/1000 Second Chronograph, Calendar
- Gunmetal Ion Plated Stainless Steel
- Curved Mineral Crystal
- 300M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
For a buyer considering a reference 102045 today, the case for it is a distinctive design, the reviewer’s praise for its finishing and comfort, and the reported high-frequency El Primero-family chronograph caliber. The main trade-offs are limited lume and modest water resistance for a watch in this style, as well as the historically high price. The review’s comparison with a Zenith Stratos was made in 2013 and is not a current like-for-like buying comparison.
Current availability, price, condition, and Bulgari service or warranty terms for reference 102045 are not established by the cited review. Verify the exact reference, configuration, and condition with a seller before treating any listing as the same watch.
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Sources and scope
- Ariel Adams, “Bulgari Bulgari Chronograph Watch Review,” November 11, 2013 — exact-model specifications, variants, price history, and the reviewer’s design and wearability observations.
- HODINKEE’s Aluminium Chronograph article — separate line context; its 2023 pricing section lists $4,640 for an Aluminium Chronograph, not reference 102045.
- Bulgari, Aluminium Chronograph reference 104234 — current product-page specifications for a different model.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
