Bulgari announced three 41 mm Bvlgari Bulgari watches for September 2018: a full-bronze model (SAP102977), a black DLC-coated steel model with a bronze bezel (SAP102931), and an all-black DLC-coated steel model (SAP102929). Their case treatments and strap combinations set them apart; the automatic BVL191 movement and 50 m water resistance are shared.
The three 2018 references at a glance
| Reference | Case and bezel | Dial and accents | Straps supplied | Japanese launch price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAP102977 | 41 mm bronze case and bezel; 8.70 mm thick | Black grained lacquer dial; bronze indices and hands | Brown leather, plus an interchangeable black rubber strap | ¥620,000 excluding tax |
| SAP102931 | 41 mm DLC-coated steel case with bronze bezel; 8.70 mm thick | Black grained lacquer dial; bronze indices and hands | Black leather, plus an interchangeable black rubber strap | ¥495,000 excluding tax |
| SAP102929 | 41 mm DLC-coated steel case and bezel; 8.70 mm thick | Black grained lacquer dial; bronze indices and hands | Black rubber, plus an interchangeable brown leather strap | ¥440,000 excluding tax |
Bulgari Japan announced all three for September 2018. The table’s Japanese prices are historical launch prices, not current retail or resale valuations. Bulgari Japan’s 2018 announcement lists those prices excluding tax.
What bronze and black DLC change
SAP102977: bronze throughout
The full-bronze SAP102977 has a bronze case and bezel, making it the most overtly warm-toned option. Bulgari described it as the brand’s first new model to use bronze and framed the metal’s gradual patina as part of its appeal. Patina develops over time, but the announcement does not promise a specific pace or final color; the appearance can vary as the watch ages.
SAP102931: a bronze bezel against black DLC steel
SAP102931 puts a bronze bezel on a black DLC-coated steel case. It keeps bronze visible around the black dial while making the case itself visually darker than the full-bronze version.
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SAP102929: all-black DLC-coated steel
SAP102929 uses DLC-coated steel for both case and bezel. Its black rubber strap gives it the most uniformly dark configuration of the three, while bronze hands and indices remain on the dial.
Each model has a black grained lacquer dial with bronze indices and hands. Monochrome’s July 2018 description notes that the dial has no logo. The collection’s identifying double logo is instead a bezel feature, as described on Bulgari’s current Bvlgari Bvlgari collection page.
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Shared movement and specifications
All three references use Bulgari’s automatic manufacture BVL191 Solotempo calibre. Bulgari Japan lists a 3.80 mm movement thickness, 25.60 mm diameter, 28,800 vibrations per hour and a 42-hour power reserve. The listed functions are hours, minutes and seconds; Monochrome also identifies a date indication and specifies 27 jewels.
- Case diameter: 41 mm
- Case thickness: 8.70 mm
- Water resistance: 50 m
- Crystal and back: sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating and a sapphire display caseback, according to Monochrome’s contemporaneous account
The official Japanese release and Monochrome’s July 2018 article agree on the shared movement, 42-hour reserve and 50 m water resistance. These are launch-era specifications, not a condition report for any individual pre-owned watch. Monochrome’s July 9, 2018 coverage adds the frequency, jewel count, date, crystal and caseback details.
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- Stainless steel strap: Solid stainless steel straps are heavier and more durable than other straps. As long as it is carefully maintained, it can be used permanently. Waterproof: The case design ensures excellent waterproof performance, and the watch's waterproof performance can reach up to 100 meters, making it easy to cope with most situations in daily life. Durability: Made of 316L stainless steel, it has strong corrosion resistance and a sturdy and durable case design.
Launch prices by market
The two contemporary sources provide historical launch pricing for different markets. They should not be treated as directly equivalent: the Japanese figures exclude tax, while Monochrome gives European prices in euros and Swiss francs.
| Reference | Japan, September 2018 announcement | Europe, July 2018 coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SAP102977, bronze | ¥620,000 excluding tax | EUR 5,450; CHF 5,200 |
| SAP102931, DLC steel with bronze bezel | ¥495,000 excluding tax | EUR 4,390; CHF 4,200 |
| SAP102929, all-black DLC steel | ¥440,000 excluding tax | EUR 4,100; CHF 3,900 |
The prices are launch-era list prices, not evidence of present availability or current market value. Neither source establishes current inventory or resale prices.
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Collection background and strap changes
Bulgari’s Japanese announcement says the first Bvlgari Bulgari watch was created in 1975 as a gift for 100 VIP clients, with commercial release of the collection watch in 1977. The brand’s current collection page identifies the double logo around the bezel as a defining feature and captions archive images as Bvlgari Bulgari watches from the 1980s.
Each 2018 model came with a second, interchangeable strap in addition to its fitted strap. Monochrome says the quick-release system allows strap changes and that the extra strap was delivered in a leather pouch. The release does not establish dimensions or compatibility with third-party straps.
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What to check when considering a pre-owned example
Bulgari’s authenticity guidance recommends buying through an official store, an authorized retailer or the brand’s own website. It says an authentic watch has a unique, visible and traceable serial number and a unique identification code. Those general checks are useful questions for a seller, but they do not authenticate a particular listing.
- Match the reference number to the case treatment: SAP102977 is full bronze; SAP102931 is DLC steel with a bronze bezel; SAP102929 is all-black DLC steel.
- Ask for clear photographs of the serial number and identification code, and have them checked through an authorized Bulgari channel.
- Confirm which straps are included and whether the interchangeable second strap is present; the configurations differ by reference.
- Seek an authorized service or dealer’s assessment rather than relying on a seller’s claim or launch specifications as proof of condition.
Bulgari’s FAQ and authenticity guidance describes its recommended purchase channels and identifying information. It does not certify independent resale listings.
Quick Recap
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.
