Bvlgari x Gerald Genta Disco Volante

Before his name became its own brand, Gérald Genta was already designing watches for some of the most important houses in the industry. Even after establishing himself independently, he continued to take on select collaborations where he could fully shape the outcome.

This is one of those.

A Disco Volante made for Bvlgari, designed and executed by Gérald Genta himself. He was known for sketching constantly, often turning out new ideas every single day, most of which never left the page. This is one of the few that did. Not just a stylistic contribution, but a complete one. His approach carries through the case, the movement, and the small details that are easy to miss at first glance.

The Disco Volante, or “flying saucer,” concept comes through immediately. The case expands outward in layered steps, giving the watch a low, wide profile that sits differently on the wrist. At 35mm, it wears larger than expected, largely because of how much visual space the bezel takes up.

That bezel is the defining feature. Alternating rings of yellow and white gold create a sense of movement, almost like the case is radiating outward from the dial. The dial itself is slightly recessed, which adds to that effect and keeps your attention moving between the center and the outer edge.

The dial is straightforward. A warm champagne tone, slim markers, and Art Deco numerals at 12 and 6. The Bvlgari signature is placed cleanly across the middle, letting the rest of the design do its job.

Inside is where Genta’s involvement becomes undeniable.

The movement is signed Gérald Genta and based on the Frederic Piguet caliber 70, an ultra-thin automatic that keeps the watch slim while remaining practical for daily wear.

That signature continues throughout the watch. The inner caseback is signed Gérald Genta, and the buckle carries his “GG” mark alongside proper gold hallmarks. This is not a case of design influence or attribution. He designed it, built it, and signed it across the key components.

Even the buckle follows the same idea as the case, executed in two-tone with a white gold pin set into a yellow gold frame. It mirrors the watch without drawing too much attention to itself.

What makes this piece stand out is how complete it feels. Bvlgari brings the material and presence, while Genta brings the form and execution. Neither gets lost in the other.

And the result looks exactly like what it is.

A flying saucer, drawn by one of the most important designers in watchmaking, and actually made the way he intended.