Sotirio Bvlgari Date Retrograde in stainless steel (ref. SB42BSLDR)

Italian-based jeweler Bulgari will soon start selling their new Sotirio Bvlgari Date Retrograde model featuring an Art deco dial adored with an exquisitely performed retrograde date indicator at 6 o’clock.

The new Sotirio Bvlgari collection of luxury watches was originally presented this spring and, if everything goes as planned, this month the collection will finally go to Bulgari’s authorized dealers all over the world.

And while the most expensive models in the line will be available only to the wealthiest of customers, the stainless steel version of the new Sotirio Bulgari Date Retrograde (ref. SB42BSLDR) may become an affordable ticket to the world of luxury.

Even for the beleaguered middle class that still struggles to find its feet after the collapse of the financial market

The new watch is powered by an omnipresent ETA 2892-A2 Swiss automatic movement, but, unlike a number of offerings from other watch makers that tend to install the movement “as is,” this one is finely decorated in-house and is equipped with their own 150&grad; retrograde date module. Sitting atop of the base caliber, the module drives the indicator hand on its way from “1″ to “31″ and back.

The module draws its energy from the ETA movement, but, according to the company, does not affect the timepiece’s accuracy.

It must be noted, though, that, with each third-party module added, the base movement becomes less reliable and more difficult to repair of broken. So, beware!

The Sotirio Bvlgari Date Retrograde comes packed in a moderately sized 42 mm case and, judging by some wrist-shots I managed to find on the Web, looks perfectly home even on relatively thin male wrists.

Of course, the best looking combination seems to be the time tested rose gold and black. However, even the relatively affordable version in stainless steel case looks sharp if combined with black leather strap and black dial.

Photos: Bulgari

Sotirio Bvlgari Date Retrograde watch specification: (ref. SB42BSLDR)

Price range: $7800
Movement: Caliber B89, based on ETA 2892-A2 ebauche with a retrograde date module, automatic, 28800 vph
Complications: Retrograde date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Case size: 42 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black
Water resistance: N/A
Strap: Black leather
Crystal: Sapphire