COMPANY HISTORY
Enigma was established in 1989 in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, by Gianni Bulgari to produce and market timepieces of his own design.
Driven by innovative thinking, Enigma gave birth to a series of jumping-hour watches with a strong design identity.
They were marketed under the GB brand (after Gianni Bulgari’s initials), Enigma being the company name.
In defiance of traditional branding, GB watches did not carry the logo on their face but only on the case back. Yet, they remained identifiable by a unique design.
In 1995 the corporate name was promoted to brand name status, and watches carried GB ENIGMA on their face.
In the same year, Enigma moved his headquarters to Geneva.
In 1997 Enigma launched a groundbreaking product, the “Bezel Manual Winder”, a patented mechanical watch that is the only one manually rewound by turning the bezel.
In 2002, upon realization that jewellery could synergize with the marketing of watches, Gianni Bulgari relinquished all other activities to concentrate on Enigma. A period of intensive product design and development followed, leading to the creation of over one thousand different jewels which redefined Enigma’s mission: to become a jewellery brand that would sell through its own retail stores. In a reversal of roles, watches became the accessory to jewellery.
The first Enigma store opened in Rome in December 2005, followed by Geneva (June 2006) and Porto Cervo, Sardinia, where a seasonal store was inaugurated in May 2007.
A selection of jewellery was included in the book “Enigma, jewels by Gianni Bulgari”, published in October 2006.
Enigma has evolved from a watch company into a holistic operation involving both jewellery and watches reflecting in every step, from packaging to store design, Gianni Bulgari’s very individual approach to luxury. Accordingly, individual taste, not price, is the real divide.
Indeed, the ever-extending ubiquity of “luxury” and the progressing dilution of its meaning are bound to nurture a growing market of discriminating people.
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GIANNI BULGARI
After graduating from Law School, Gianni Bulgari joined the family jewellery business in Rome and in 1966, following the passing of his father, became co-chief executive of the Company together with his cousin Marina Bulgari.
In the early 70’s, as Chairman and CEO, he started the internationalization of the company by opening shops in New York, Geneva, Monte-Carlo and Paris.
In the late 70’s, at a turning point of the family business, he was instrumental in a complete re-organization of the company. Following the newly-established and successful watch business that he had created, he became convinced that product design had to become the defining element of the brand. For this purpose, he undertook a most unusual experiment: without any formal training and never having been previously involved in the jewellery-creating process, he undertook the task to lead a newly-established company within the group dedicated to the design and development of jewellery. Furthermore, keenly aware of more advanced creative culture in product design other than jewellery, he hired a group of young talents from various artistic backgrounds who had never been previously involved in the world of jewellery. So a master apprenti sorcier joined forces with a group of junior peers to establish what soon turned out to be a powerful creative machine. By doing so he ignited a process of deep change in the company’s culture.
In 1987 he left the family business and, having always been keen on a variety of interests, pursued different ventures.
In 1988 he became chairman of Fila, the Italian sportswear company, until his resignation in 1998.
In 1989 he founded in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, Enigma, a company whose mission was to produce and distribute innovative timepieces of his own design.
In the late 80’s, he promoted an ambitious project of a car, characterized by a very innovative interior that qualified for both European an American patents. The car prototype was developed in conjunction with Lotus Engineering of England.
Since the early 90’s, he has been involved in many financial deals including a partnership with an American group to buy Trident Rowan, a company listed on Nasdaq and parent of Moto Guzzi, a well-known Italian motorcycle company. The latter was then sold to Aprilia.
In 2002, having relinquished all other activities, he decided to concentrate on the development of the Enigma brand and to go back to jewellery. He is now dedicated full time to the Enigma mission.
Gianni Bulgari is married and has one son, Giorgio, who joined him in the business together with his stepbrother Patrick Sieff.
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ABOUT JEWELS
Enigma is an extraordinarily wide collection of jewellery set to restore the freedom and art of choice of a discerning clientele.
Built to the highest quality standards, Enigma jewels are inspired by the creativity of Gianni Bulgari. They reflect his vision of modernity and the arts of the 1900’s which he incorporates in design and execution.
Sophisticated workmanship, the mosaic carpet - a playful leap into time-honoured refinement - the revival of jet and the technological touch of black PVD treated surfaces complete the eclectic picture.
Please enjoy a selection of Enigma jewels.
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RINGS 1
Contraire ring in white gold and black steel with diamonds
"bamboo" ring in white gold, white and black diamonds and coral
"lion" ring in pink gold, black enamel and diamonds
RINGS 2
Ring in pink gold with revolving sphere in white gold, diamonds and rubies
Casket ring in pink gold, black enamel and diamonds
Ring in white gold with diamonds set with pavé in sapphires, in the the shape
of a "cabochon"
RINGS 3
"lips" ring in white gold with diamonds
Reversible ring in pink gold, black bronze and diamonds
Casket ring in white gold, black enamel and diamonds with chequered motifs
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BRACELETS 1
"lips" bracelet in jet with white gold, diamonds and coral
"bamboo" bracelet in pink gold with diamond half-spheres
BRACELETS 2
“lips” bangle bracelet in white gold with diamonds
Contraire spring bracelet in pink gold with diamonds, chequered motifs on spheres
BRACELETS 3
"hollow pyramid" flexible bangle bracelet in pink gold, black bronze and diamonds
Double-face "janus" bracelet in pink and white gold, with diamonds, coral and black enamel
BRACELETS 4
"fish" bracelet in white and pink gold with diamonds, sapphires and black spinels, in mosaic carpet
“lion” bracelet in white gold with diamonds and black spinels, in mosaic carpet
"fish" bracelet in white and pink gold with diamonds, sapphires and black spinels, in mosaic carpet
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NECKLACES 1
"shell" pendant in pink gold with black enamel and diamonds.
Elastic velvet ribbon.
Pendant in white and pink gold with diamonds, black spinels and calibré rubies, in mosaic carpet
NECKLACES 2
Necklace with alternating spheres in coral and white gold with diamonds and sapphires
Pink gold necklace composed of rondels and diamond-set spheres
NECKLACES 3
"lips" pendant in jet with white gold, diamonds and coral. Elastic velvet ribbon
Elastic velvet ribbon choker with "lips" in white gold with diamonds
NECKLACES 4
"lion" pendant in pink and white gold with diamonds and black spinels, in mosaic carpet
"fish" pendant in white and pink gold with diamonds, black spinels and sapphires, in mosaic carpet
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EARRINGS 1
"jaguar" pendant earrings
in diamond-set white gold
Earrings with detachable pendants in jet and white gold with jade arrow motifs and diamond inlays. The clips in white gold, black enamel and diamonds
EARRINGS 2
Earrings with detachable pendants in jet, white gold and diamonds. The clips in white gold, black enamel and diamonds
Pendant earrings in white gold with diamond and ruby polka-dots motifs
EARRINGS 3
"hollow pyramid" ear-clips in pink gold, black bronze and diamonds
Ear-clips in pink gold with white gold and diamond arrow motifs
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ABOUT WATCHES
Designed by Gianni Bulgari and introduced in 1989 under the GB
brand name, the first Enigma watches were produced by the eponymous company, founded in Neuchâtel, heart of the Swiss watch-making industry.
The pioneering model, jumping-hour “BiTime”, exhibited a strong design identity and a logo defiantly placed on the caseback only, setting the pace for an innovative generation of watches created by joining forces with the finest Swiss craftsmen. Ever since, Enigma timepieces have been identifiable by their unique design.
Built in compliance with the most exacting Swiss standards and individually numbered, Enigma watches reflect Gianni Bulgari’s passion for industrial design, an interest in the shape of things, and a concern for the lifestyle of discerning men and women of our time.
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GROPIUS
Named after the great architect and founder of the Bauhaus, Gropius is a mechanical, rectangular-shaped timepiece of distinctive design.
Available in two versions, “Big Date” and “Angolo”, the case finishing is a combination of polished and brushed surfaces in either 18-carat pink gold or stainless steel, fitted with anti-reflective sapphire crystal. The “Big Date” model features an oversized date at 12 o’clock and a guilloché dial with numbers in high relief. The “Angolo” model, reminiscent of geometric shapes typical of the 1920’s, is characterized by Luminova hands and indexes.
Gropius is equipped with Swiss mechanical self-winding movements and see-through case backs. Gold versions are distinguished by a ceramic ball-bearing mechanism with an 18-carat pink gold rotor. Waterproof to 50 metres.
"ANGOLO"
18ct pink gold case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with decorations in high relief, alligator strap and 18ct pink gold buckle.
"ANGOLO"
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with decorations in high relief, calfskin strap.
"BIG DATE"
18ct pink gold case, self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with gold numbers, alligator strap and 18ct pink gold buckle.
"BIG DATE"
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with white numbers, calfskin strap.
"BIG DATE"
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with orange numbers, calfskin strap.
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SPYDER II
First designed in 1992 and characterized by its hinged lugs, Spyder II is a ladies’ watch with a softly curved rectangular-shaped case.
A new version reveals a surprising touch: diamond-inlaid numbers set on black-coated pvd steel.
Also available in different combinations of stainless steel, black-coated pvd steel and diamonds, Spyder II is fitted with a Swiss quartz movement, black dial with mirror-polished indexes, and a curved sapphire crystal. Water-resistant to 30 metres.
STEEL & DIAMONDS
Steel with diamond-pavé case and lug sides, quartz movement, black dial, suede strap.
BLACK STEEL & DIAMONDS
Pvd steel case with diamond-inlaid "12-6" and lugs, quartz movement, black dial, suede strap and pvd steel buckle.
BLACK STEEL & DIAMONDS
Pvd steel case with diamond-inlaid "12-6", quartz movement, black dial, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
STEEL & DIAMONDS
Steel case with diamond-inlaid "12-6" and lug tops, quartz movement, black dial, satin strap.
STEEL & DIAMONDS
Steel case with diamond-inlaid "12-6", quartz movement, black dial, suede strap.
STEEL & DIAMONDS
Steel case with diamond-inlaid "12-6", quartz movement, black dial, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
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CATERPILLAR
The articulated stainless steel bracelet, suggestive of the trail left by a mechanical track, and the unusual design of the crown protections mark the individuality of Caterpillar.
The line features three sizes (27, 38 and 42 mm) and different combinations of 18-carat yellow gold, diamonds, stainless or black-coated pvd steel.
Caterpillar timepieces are fitted with Swiss quartz or mechanical self-winding movements and anti-reflective sapphire crystal. Screw-down crown and see-through backs when mechanical. Waterproof to 100 metres.
CATERPILLAR 27
18ct yellow gold case, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, alligator strap and 18ct yellow gold buckle.
CATERPILLAR 27
18ct yellow gold case with diamond-pavé, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, alligator strap and 18ct yellow gold buckle.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, calfskin strap.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case with 24 diamonds, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, alligator strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case with 24 diamonds, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case with diamond-pavé, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, alligator strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 27
Steel case with diamond-pavé, quartz movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 38 CHRONOGRAPH
18ct yellow gold case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, calfskin strap and 18ct yellow gold buckle.
CATERPILLAR 38 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 38 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black "Clous de Paris" dial with applied indexes, calfskin strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 AUTOMATIC LIMITED EDITION
Pvd steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange numbers, calfskin strap and pvd steel buckle. Limited edition of 100.
CATERPILLAR 42 AUTOMATIC
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with white numbers, calfskin strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 AUTOMATIC
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with white numbers, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 AUTOMATIC
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange numbers, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 AUTOMATIC
Steel case, self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange numbers, calfskin strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 CHRONOGRAPH LIMITED EDITION
Pvd steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange number, calfskin strap and pvd steel buckle. Limited edition of 100.
CATERPILLAR 42 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with white number, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with white number, calfskin strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange number, calfskin strap and folding clasp.
CATERPILLAR 42 CHRONOGRAPH
Steel case, chronograph with self-winding mechanical movement, black dial with orange number, steel bracelet and folding clasp.
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PORTO CERVO
Hotel Romazzino 07020 Italy Tel (+39) 06 32 18 358 Fax (+39) 06 32 11 503 info@enigma.info
GENEVA
84, Rue du Rhône 1204 Geneva Switzerland Tel (+41) 022 318 60 80 Fax (+41) 022 318 60 85 info@enigma.info
Monday to Friday 10am to 6:30pm, Saturdays 11am to 5pm
CATERPILLAR 42
Via Margutta, 61a 00187 Rome Italy Tel (+39) 06 32 18 358 Fax (+39) 06 32 11 503 info@enigma.info
Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm
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PUBLICATIONS
JEWELLERY BOOK
Published in October 2006, the volume “Enigma, jewels by Gianni Bulgari” is an introduction to the spirit of Enigma. A selection of Enigma jewellery is offered through its pages.
To request your complementary copy please contact one of our stores.
WATCH CATALOGUE