Bulgari

    Most Bulgari watches use a 30 mm lug width: 14 of the 31 Bulgari references with a listed width in our database (45%).

    Lug widths at Bulgari

    Bulgari collections

    The story · Since 1884

    The Bulgari story

    1. 1884 Founded in Rome, Italy by Sotirio Bulgari.
    2. 1948 Bulgari turned the snake into a watch: its stylised Serpenti models of the late 1940s wrapped the wrist in flexible yellow-gold Tubogas bands or gold mesh, a line it has reworked ever since.
    3. 1998 The Bvlgari Aluminium arrived, pairing aluminium with rubber in a casual, bold watch; an automatic version followed in 2020.
    4. 2000 Bulgari bought Gerald Genta SA, Daniel Roth SA and Manufacture de Haute Horlogerie SA, owner of their manufacturing facilities, from Singapore's The Hour Glass for 37.6 million Swiss francs, gaining the complication know-how that later produced its first in-house calibres in the Vallee de Joux.
    5. 2014 At Baselworld 2014 the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon opened Bulgari's run of thinness records: a 1.95 mm hand-wound tourbillon movement in a 5.00 mm platinum case, the first of eight records set by 2022.
    6. 2015 Bulgari, then official sponsor of the All Blacks, gave a special Octo All Blacks 100 Club watch to the four players with 100 or more Tests: captain Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock, Daniel Carter and Keven Mealamu, each engraved with initials and All Blacks number.

    Firsts and innovations

    2022. The Octo Finissimo Ultra (BVL 180, caseback used as mainplate) measured 1.80 mm in total, 0.20 mm under Piaget's Altiplano Ultimate Concept; Bulgari counted it as its eighth thinness record and the world's thinnest mechanical watch.

    2024. The Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (ref. 104081, 20 pieces) took 0.10 mm more off the case to reach 1.70 mm; Bulgari calls it its ninth record, the thinnest mechanical watch and the world's thinnest COSC-certified chronometer.

    Bulgari ambassadors over the years

    All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team)National rugby team (official partnership)From 2011

    Bulgari announced its partnership with the All Blacks in 2011, marked by the Endurer Chronosprint All Blacks special edition with a Koru motif on the dial; the deal was renewed in 2012 for two years.

    Source: Bulgari (brand page on Watchonista), WatchPro, NZ Herald, Europa Star

    Andrey RublevTennis playerFrom 2021

    Became Bulgari's watch and jewellery ambassador in June 2021, its first in tennis, after regularly appearing on the podium wearing Bulgari since the 2020 competitions in Rome; he later helped launch the Aluminium Match Point Edition.

    Source: Worldtempus, Paris Match, Tennis.com

    Josh O'ConnorBritish actorFrom 2021

    Announced as Bulgari's watch ambassador in March 2021, the day after he won a Golden Globe for The Crown wearing an Octo Finissimo S.

    Source: National Jeweler, Tatler Asia

    Jake GyllenhaalAmerican actor and producerFrom 2026

    Announced as a Bulgari global brand ambassador in March 2026, covering jewellery and watches; his WWD portrait shoot features a 37 mm Octo Finissimo Automatic in titanium.

    Source: FashionNetwork, Professional Jeweller, WWD

    More Bulgari references, by line

    Lines without a guide page yet: every reference we list for them, with its strap size.

    Aluminium

    • Aluminium Chronograph 41 103383Integrated bracelet

    Diagono

    • Diagono Magnesium 41 10242922 mm
    • Diagono Scuba 40 10243020 mm

    FAQ

    What lug width do Bulgari watches use?

    30 mm is the most common (45% of Bulgari references with a listed width), followed by 21 mm and 23.5 mm.

    Do all Bulgari watches take the same strap size?

    No. Bulgari uses 6 different lug widths across its collections, so check your exact model or reference.

    When was Bulgari founded?

    Bulgari was founded in 1884 in Rome, Italy by Sotirio Bulgari.

    Who are Bulgari's ambassadors?

    Over the years Bulgari has partnered with All Blacks (New Zealand rugby team) (from 2011), Andrey Rublev (from 2021), Josh O'Connor (from 2021), Jake Gyllenhaal (from 2026).

    Help

    What is lug width?

    The gap between the two lugs that hold the strap, in millimetres. A new strap must match it exactly: 20 mm lugs take a 20 mm strap.

    Measure it in 30 seconds

    1. Take the strap off, or look at the back of it: many straps print their width.
    2. Measure the inside gap between the lugs with a caliper or a millimetre ruler.
    3. Round to the nearest whole millimetre. Most watches use 18, 20 or 22 mm.

    Strap, quick release or system?

    Most watches use spring bars, so any strap of the right width fits. Many smartwatches use their own band system instead, such as Apple Watch bands or Garmin QuickFit.