Bvlgari Diagono Scuba SD38S – Automatic COSC Chronometer, 200M, Tritium Dial – Iconic 1990s Swiss-Italian luxury Sports Watch Model Overview The Bvlgari Diagono Scuba SD38S is one of the most distinctive luxury sports watches created by Bvlgari during the 1990s, combining Italian industrial design with Swiss mechanical watchmaking. Introduced during the period when luxury houses were beginning to develop serious high-end sports watches, the Scuba combined a genuine 200-metre diving specification with the unmistakable architectural design language of Bvlgari. This example features the highly desirable classic configuration: a 38 mm stainless-steel case, black dial, prominent 12 and 6 numerals, rotating steel diving bezel and black Bvlgari rubber strap. Importantly, the dial is marked “T SWISS MADE T”, identifying the original-period use of tritium luminous material. The lume has developed an attractive warm cream/yellow patina, giving this example considerably more vintage character than later service or replacement-dial pieces. An original period Bvlgari advertisement supplied among the photographs illustrates this Scuba design and lists the watch at US$2,600 in 1992, an interesting historical reference demonstrating the model’s position as a serious luxury sports watch from the outset. Technical Specifications Brand: Bvlgari Collection: Diagono Scuba Reference: SD38S / SD 38 S Case number: D4xxx Movement: Swiss automatic mechanical movement Calibre: Bvlgari Calibre 220 Certification: Chronometer – dial marked “CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” Country of Manufacture: Switzerland Production Era: 1990s / early generation Diagono Scuba Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds, date Date: Quick-set date at 3 o’clock Published reference information confirms the SD38S as a 38 mm automatic Scuba equipped with Bvlgari Calibre 220. Case Material: Stainless steel Diameter: Approximately 38 mm Overall dimensions: Approximately 38 × 47 mm Bezel: Unidirectional rotating stainless-steel diving bezel with engraved 15/30/45 numerals and luminous reference point Crystal: Sapphire crystal Crown: Protected screw-down style crown Caseback: Screw-down stainless steel Original water-resistance rating: 200 metres / 20 ATM The 38 mm dimensions are particularly attractive today. The substantial bezel, broad shoulders and unusual articulated strap attachment give the watch significantly more wrist presence than its nominal diameter suggests. Important: the original 200 m rating is a factory specification. The watch has not been recently pressure-tested by the seller,but Services and clean Dial & Hands The matte black dial is one of the strongest features of this example. Large applied Arabic numerals appear at 12 and 6, accompanied by circular luminous hour markers and a detailed outer minute track. A framed-free date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock. The dial carries: BVLGARI AUTOMATIC CHRONOMETER OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED 200 m The original-style sword/arrow hands contain luminous material, while the central seconds hand incorporates the characteristic luminous circular marker. Most importantly from a vintage collector perspective, the lower edge is marked “T SWISS MADE T.” The tritium markers have aged to a warm creamy tone, producing the attractive natural patina visible in the photographs. Caseback The substantial stainless-steel screw-down back carries the circular BVLGARI engraving together with Swiss and reference/case identification. The caseback shows normal scratches and surface wear consistent with an authentic sports watch that has actually been worn rather than stored unused. Strap & Buckle The watch is fitted with a black BVLGARI rubber strap incorporating the characteristic steel articulated end fittings attached to the case. The strap carries BVLGARI branding and is paired with the distinctive signed stainless-steel BVLGARI folding/deployant clasp. This integrated strap construction is an important part of the original Scuba design and gives the watch its unmistakable 1990s Bvlgari appearance. Notable Historical / Brand Context The Diagono family represents an important chapter in Bvlgari’s transformation from a Roman jewellery house into a serious watch manufacturer. Rather than copying conventional Swiss dive-watch aesthetics, Bvlgari developed its own recognisable architecture: exposed attachment screws, strong geometric shoulders, an integrated rubber-and-steel strap arrangement and a heavily sculpted steel bezel. The supplied period advertisement is particularly interesting. It is copyrighted Bulgari 1992 and describes the model as: “Sport line: Scuba watch in stainless steel with natural rubber strap and automatic movement. Swiss made. $2,600.” That period price positioning is significant: the Scuba was conceived as a genuine luxury product rather than an inexpensive fashion accessory. The SD38S subsequently became one of the most recognisable early Bvlgari sports-watch references. Collector Appeal & Value Potential Early Diagono Scuba watches are increasingly interesting as 1990s neo-vintage luxury sports watches. The combination of relatively compact proportions, unmistakable Bvlgari design, mechanical automatic movement, chronometer specification and original tritium aesthetics makes the SD38S considerably more characterful than many contemporary luxury divers. Condition Report The watch is presented in great and honest vintage condition with visible signs of normal age and use. The stainless-steel case and bezel show scratches, small marks and surface wear. The bezel engravings remain clear and the distinctive case geometry is well preserved. The rubber strap shows normal signs of use and ageing but remains fitted to the watch together with the signed Bvlgari deployant clasp. The automatic movement is running and the watch functions at the time of listing., recent service history is known, and future servicing of any vintage mechanical watch should always be considered by the buyer. The original 200-metre water-resistance specification has not been pressure-tested and is therefore not guaranteed. Included The sale is for the watch with its Bvlgari strap and signed Bvlgari clasp as photographed.+ box bvlgari The historical Bvlgari advertisement shown in the listing is included for reference/documentary context unless otherwise stated; it should not be interpreted as original paperwork belonging specifically to case D47xx. Delivery The watch will be carefully and securely packed for transport. Shipping: Registered, tracked and insured shipping from the European Union.