The Italian-based fashion and jewelry brand Bvlgari keeps adding new exclusive models to its elegant Diagono collection. Trying to keep their accessories as upscale as practically possible, the brand issues this new Bvlgari Diagono Retrograde Moonphase (ref. DGP42BGLDMP) in almost prohibitively priced massive rose gold case that is powered by their own automatic movement. Coming as a -relatively- limited edition model and featuring their traditional exaggerated design, it will possibly sell off quite fast thanks to its brief, but dramatic cameo on Robert Downey Jr’s wrist at the latest Iron Man blockbuster.

This time it is an automatic watch with the BVL 347 retrograde automatic movement and calendar and moon phase complication, which is developed in-house (probably, their Gerald Genta sub-brand that has a great experience in designing all sorts of complications with the trendy retrograde indication.).

Encased in a medium sized 42mm body crafted from alternately brushed and polished 18K rose gold, the mechanism comprises 347 parts (hence the name) and is decorated with the usual Cotes de Geneve stripes and the inevitable circular-grained perlage.

This elegant timepiece features an exquisite, multiple-texture dial and a fresh-looking retrograde moonphase indicator.

While customary moon-phase watches usually indicate the moon month with a rotating disc, this watch simply displays the nine fixed phases: waning (dark moon, waning crescent, last quarter, waning gibbous, and full moon) and waxing (waxing gibbous, first quarter, waxing crescent, and new moon.)

The phases are indicated with a skeletonized retrograde hand that travels through the waxing phases, then instantly returns to the “zero” position, while the moonphase wheel jumps to the waning phases, then the cycle is repeated.

Well, at least, the complication looks original and not as boring as the traditional ways to show the lunar cycle.

Just as you can see on the photos (and in the recent “Iron Man” blockbuster featuring Robert Downey, Jr. playing a self-made billionaire-turn-superhero Tony Stark), the other two retrograde dials at 9 and 3 o’clock show the day of the week and the date respectively.

Thanks to the winning combination of satin-finished rose gold hands, Arabic numerals and hour markers, and matte-black dial, the watch offers you not only great looks, but also brings an almost unrivalled level of legibility.

Well, at least during the day-time, since, lacking any lume whatsoever, its readings will be completely indiscernible even in twilight, not to say of total darkness.

On the other hand, this is not a tactical watch, so you can easily sacrifice night-time legibility in favor of the timekeeper’s sheer beauty.

Only 300 pieces of the Bvlgari Diagono Retrograde Moonphase rose gold watch will go on sale.

See also: Bvlgari Diagono Calibro 303 fashion chronograph watch

Photos: Bvlgari

Bvlgari Diagono Retrograde Moonphase (ref. DGP42BGLDMP) specification

Price range: $45,600 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Bvlgari caliber BVL347 with 46 jewels, Swiss Made
Complications: Date, day of the week, moon phase, retrograde
Power reserve: 44 hours
Case material: 18K rose gold
Siameter: 42.00 mm
Dial: Black, decorated with Perlage and Traits Tires treatment
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Brown alligator strap with an 18K rose gold buckle
Crystal: Sapphire

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