Des Bulles

“Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” - Dom Pérignon

A Sartory Billard / Tatsuya Todo / Martin Pulli cocktail de la maison -

Courtesy of Sartory Billard

“I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.” - Coco Chanel

This latest iteration of the SB-04 calls again on the artistic wizardry of Tatsuya Todo's wizardry with all things lacquer. The name - Des Bulles is a nod and a wink to champagne, and not in a Don Ho Tiny Bubbles sort of way ; )

Courtesy of Sartory Billard

"I drink Champagne when I'm happy and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I'm not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise, I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty." - Lily Bollinger

Per Sartory Billard -

Courtesy of Sartory Billard

The dial was created by Japanese lacquer artist Tatsuya Todo, also known as Kosetsu. Born in 1954 in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, he has devoted his career to Yamanaka lacquerware and was officially recognised as a traditional craftsman in 1995.

Although deeply rooted in traditional Japanese craftsmanship, Todo’s work is not confined to reproducing inherited forms. He explores how historic techniques and natural materials can take on a more personal and contemporary expression, an approach that made him particularly suited to interpreting Des Bulles.

Using the Japanese art of raden, Todo individually selected each circular fragment of mother-of-pearl for its size, colour and natural reflections before cutting and positioning it by hand within the black lacquer. Every piece had to contribute to the perspective of the whole, as well as respond beautifully to the changing light.

The surface was then refined and polished through successive stages until the shell appeared embedded within the lacquer. Because every fragment is naturally different and every arrangement is composed by hand, each dial develops its own colours, contrasts and rhythm. No two can ever be identical.

Each Des Bulles dial is therefore an individual interpretation of Armand’s original vision, shaped by Todo’s eye, experience and sensitivity to the material.

Courtesy of Sartory Billard

“In victory, you deserve Champagne; in defeat, you need it.” - Napoleon Bonaparte

This wonderful time machine is limited to 26 pieces and only available through collector and, how does one say it - purveyor of rare and wonderful watches, Martin Pulli.

Limited to 26 pieces total, it is priced at $11,700 US.

“I am on a 24-hour Champagne diet.” - Drake

Here are the pertinents, straight from Sartory Billard HQ -

SB04-E Des Bulles
Reference: SB04E1DB

Case: Stainless steel, 39.5 mm, alternating polished and brushed finishes
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Lug-to-lug: 44 mm

Dial: Black lacquer and mother-of-pearl raden dial

Movement: Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101A automatic movement, 68-hour power reserve

Water resistance: 100 metres

Bracelet Options:
Sartory-Billard navy blue rubber strap. Logo pin buckle.
Sartory-Billard stainless-steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links, equipped with quick-release pins for easy strap changes. ½ link for fine adjustment. 3-fold clasp.

Price: €9,950 / USD $11,700

Limited edition of 26 numbered pieces.

Available exclusively through Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry and Watches and Watches.

So that's the scoop, run, don't walk to get your hands on this wrist-bound bijoux!

Oh, and fyi -

"Drake and me are still beefing ; )" - Henki