A young Russian tennis player made waves around the world as the most stable winner of the last season. We are referring, of course, to Andrey Rublev. The young player won one prestigious title after another, eventually breaking into the world’s top 10 at No. 7. Having won eight ATP tournaments, Rublev is no stranger to appearing in the spotlight, and since 2020, has rarely been seen without a Bvlgari on his wrist.

As Andrey Rublev gained traction in the tennis world, so too did his association with the timepieces crafted by the Italian manufacture. From there Bvlgari reached out to him and thus began a friendship which then developed into the professional relationship we see today. A key reason for this were the many values that both Bvlgari and Rublev had in common.

As Rublev himself said, “I felt part of the Bvlgari family immediately – once (I) started discovering the brand through my new Aluminium watch, and then also learning about the Save-the-Children activities so close to my own charity approach.”

On 1 June 2021, the formally cemented this relationship with Andrey Rublev coming aboard as Bvlgari’s latest watch and jewellery ambassador. A fitting role for someone with his winning personality and charm. In celebration of this announcement, the house released a campaign shot by acclaimed photographer Danil Golovkin and director Nikita Chernikov, featuring Rublev with his lucky Bvlgari Aluminium watch and an Octo Finissimo.

Rublev’s lucky Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph is an updated version of the original which was released back in 1998. Like its name suggests, the timepiece has a 40mm case made from aluminium  with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) treatment and a titanium case back. The distinct matte black bezel, engraved with the manufacture’s name, is also made froma DLC-treated titanium and with the aluminium case results in a watch with exceptional strength and light weight. The automatic BVL130 calibre movement has 42 hours of reserve power and has chronograph complication showing, a 12 hour totaliser, 30 min totaliser, and running seconds. This in conjunction with the black rubber strap, completes the sporty look of the Bvlgari Aluminium.

Also shown is the Octo Finissimo ref. 102713. The Octo Finissimo line of watches is famous for its incredibly thin automatic BVL138 Finissimo calibre movement and its contemporary octagonal design. The movement which powers the watch is an astonishing 2.23mm thick and housed within a 40mm titanium case, itself measuring just 5.15mm in thickness. Despite the petite thickness, the movement boasts a hefty 60 hour power reserve. Titanium plays a big part in its construction, being used in the crown, integrated bracelet, and even the dial, once again making this an extremely lightweight sports watch.

Both watches are a unique mix of elegance and sporty aesthetic and are perfectly suited to Rublev’s role as a potential tennis player, which necessitates the switch between the court and more formal dress settings on a regular basis. Furthermore, with the strong philanthropic values which both Bvlgari and Rublev hold dear, the recent campaign marks the start of what looks like a very meaningful partnership.

All images courtesy of Bvlgari