BVLGARI Aluminium GMT X Fender Limited Edition Watch and Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition BVLGARI Stratocaster
Bvlgari, a Swiss watchmaker with a deeply Roman soul, and Fender Musical Instruments Corporation’s (FMIC) Fender Custom Shop (FCS), have partnered to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Stratocaster with the launch of the BVLGARI Aluminium GMT x Fender® Limited Edition watch and the Fender® Custom Shop Limited Edition Bvlgari Stratocaster® guitar.
Bvlgari captures the essence of Italian style through exceptional timepieces. Fender, the world’s leading guitar manufacturer, takes the art of customisation to the highest level through the craftsmanship and innovation of the Custom Shop. These two iconic Maisons have naturally united around their passion for creating unique objects, with meticulous skill and precision, and their shared ability to inspire and connect through extraordinary instruments passed down through generations. Bvlgari and Fender Custom Shop celebrate BVLGARI Aluminium and the Stratocaster®, two timeless design icons that have become cultural symbols, in homage to the 70th anniversary of the legendary Stratocaster® guitar.
To mark this 70th anniversary, Bvlgari has created a special BVLGARI Aluminium GMT x Fender® Limited Edition watch set, and Fender® Custom Shop has crafted a limited series of just 70 Fender® Custom Shop Limited Edition Bulgari Stratocaster® guitars – exceptional creations intended especially for their historic collector communities.
“The Fender® Stratocaster® has been at the forefront of musical progress and sonic exploration for the last 70 years, and to celebrate its anniversary, we wanted to partner with a brand with a similarly rich history in its respective field,” said Justin Norvell, EVP of Product, FMIC. “With that in mind, we couldn’t be prouder to unveil this collaboration with BVLGARI. The resulting Stratocaster® and watch are stunning, and we’re sure fans of both brands will be very excited by the prospect of adding them to their collections.”
“As enthusiasts of both horology and music, we naturally joined up with Fender for a collaboration that transcends aesthetics; it’s a celebration of heritage, design and innovation,” says Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. “This collaboration is the fusion of two iconic legacies. The BVLGARI Aluminium GMT x Fender® Limited Edition watch is a precision instrument, close to a finely tuned guitar. It features advanced GMT functionality for tracking time across time zones, reflecting the dynamic lifestyle of musicians and travelers alike. Housed in our iconic aluminum and titanium case, this limited edition symbolizes a harmonious journey through time and sound.”
In tribute to the legendary Stratocaster®, the BVLGARI Aluminium GMT takes the stage in the original colors of this iconic guitar. The sunburst finish – a nod to one of Fender’s signature lacquered looks – and the same creamy white hue bring this limited edition of 1200 watches to life. The brown rubber bezel, the second time zone – dark brown for nighttime and creamy white for daytime hours – and the rhodium-plated and polished indices and hands, reminiscent of guitar frets, attune the BVLGARI Aluminium GMT to with the legendary Stratocaster®. Backstage, the Swiss mechanical calibre keeps time across the world. Bvlgari also redesigned the model’s Velcro strap, for a perfect fit even during the most intense riffs. The ‘Fender®’ inscription on the DLC-coated titanium case back underscores the incredible power of music to unite and resonate, day and night, across the globe.
The Limited Edition Bvlgari Stratocaster® celebrates the 70th anniversary of the instrument by artfully embracing the inventive yet nostalgic design approach showcased on the limited-run Bvlgari Aluminum GMT x Fender® Watch. From the quintessential mid-‘50s Wide-Fade Chocolate 2-Color Sunburst lacquer finish, to the quartersawn maple neck and flat-laminated rosewood fingerboard, this guitar highlights some of the most sought-after and notable “Golden Era” Strat® features. The direct-mounted Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’54 Strat® pickups and uniquely shaped 1-ply parchment pickguard provide more modern-facing designs—mirroring the essence of Bvlgari’s watch collaboration, evoking a sense of refreshing new aesthetics with a timeless look and feel.
Additional premium features include NOS lacquer finish, 2-piece select ash body with off-center seam, 07/54 Soft “V” back-shape, Vintage Compound 7.25” to 9.5″ (184 mm to 241 mm) radius, 21 medium vintage (47095) frets, Modern Stratocaster® wiring, 5-way switch, Fender® Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, wing string tree, custom engraved BVLGARI neckplate, deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity.
On August 30th, 2024, Bvlgari will launch the limited series BVLGARI Aluminium GMT x Fender® Limited Edition with 140 sets (70 for each of the two time zones on the BVLGARI Aluminium GMT). These will comprise the limited edition BVLGARI Aluminium GMT watch, its bespoke case whose design was inspired by iconic guitar cases, and a book tracing the 70-year history of the Stratocaster®. Fender will produce 70 custom Stratocaster® guitars at its Fender® Custom Shop in Corona, California.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fendercustomshop.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender and @FenderCustomShop.
Fender® Custom Shop Limited Edition Bvlgari Stratocaster® ($4,525.00 USD, £4,249.00 GBP, €4,999.00 EUR, $7,299.00 AUD, ¥ 746,900 JPY )
The Limited Edition Bvlgari Stratocaster® celebrates the 70th anniversary of the instrument by artfully embracing the inventive yet nostalgic design approach showcased on the limited-run Bvlgari Aluminum GMT x Fender Watch. From the quintessential mid-‘50s Wide-Fade Chocolate 2-Color Sunburst lacquer finish, to the quartersawn maple neck and flat-laminated rosewood fingerboard, this guitar highlights some of the most sought-after and notable “Golden Era” Strat® features. The direct-mounted Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’54 Strat® pickups and uniquely shaped 1-ply parchment pickguard provide more modern-facing designs—mirroring the essence of Bvlgari’s watch collaboration, evoking a sense of refreshing new aesthetics with a timeless look and feel.
Additional premium features include NOS lacquer finish, 2-piece select ash body with off-center seam, 07/54 Soft “V” back-shape, Vintage Compound 7.25” to 9.5″ (184 mm to 241 mm) radius, 21 medium vintage (47095) frets, Modern Stratocaster® wiring, 5-way switch, Custom Shop Vintage Synchronized Tremolo, vintage-style tuning machines, bone nut, wing string tree, custom engraved BVLGARI neckplate, deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel® and Bigsby® follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new eco-system of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro audio gear and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrates 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.
ABOUT FENDER CUSTOM SHOP
Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop and its esteemed builders have astounded players and collectors worldwide with marvels of creativity, ingenuity and artistry. From its humble Southern California beginnings, the Fender Custom Shop has grown to become the world’s preeminent maker of highly collectible, custom instruments operating in Corona, Calif. Known as the “Dream Factory,” the Fender Custom Shop is also home to an honored group known as the Master Builders – some of the most-skilled luthiers in the world – who craft Fender’s legendary instruments and push the boundaries of possibility. The distinguished Master Builders make dream guitars a reality for players – from Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, H.E.R. and Jimmy Page to collectors, working professionals and guitar enthusiasts. As the epicenter of innovation at Fender and the pinnacle of the brand, ideas and production techniques devised in the Fender Custom Shop for both Masterbuilt and Teambuilt guitars go on to inspire and influence Fender’s other production line models.
ABOUT BVLGARI
Part of the LVMH Group, Bulgari was founded in the heart of Rome in 1884.
Over the decades, the Brand has established a worldwide reputation as magnificent Roman High Jeweler and icon of Italian art of living thanks to its exquisite craftsmanship, visionary design and audacious color combinations.
Through a pioneering vision intrinsic in the brand’s DNA since its founding, the company’s international success has evolved into a global and diversified luxury purveyor of products and services, ranging from fine jewels and high-end watches to accessories and perfumes, and featuring an extended network of boutiques and hotels in the world’s most exclusive shopping areas.
Demonstrated through its numerous philanthropic partnerships, Bulgari deeply believes in innovating the present for a sustainable future through its commitment to Social & Environmental Responsibility and giving back – to nature and to the community.
The post BVLGARI Aluminium GMT X Fender Limited Edition Watch and Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition BVLGARI Stratocaster appeared first on Music Instrument News.
Source: musicinstrumentnews.co.uk
