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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Bulgari Diagono Scuba SD 38 S

Partially verified

This Bulgari Diagono Scuba, reference SD 38 S, is a self-winding stainless steel diver's wristwatch produced between 2000 and 2010. The round 38.1 mm case features a unidirectional revolving bezel graduated for 60 minutes to monitor decompression times, alongside a protected winding crown. The watch is powered by the 21-jewel caliber 220 movement. Its black dial displays center-seconds, luminous markers, and a half-instantaneous date aperture at the 3 o'clock position. The watch is fitted with a black rubber strap secured by a signed stainless steel double-folding deployant clasp. This timepiece is marked as a chronometer officially certified and is water-resistant, supported by a screwed case-back design. The signature appears on the dial, case, and movement. The auction description notes that the movement requires an overhaul, and the case exhibits slight scratching. It remains an example of the manufacturer's Diagono Scuba series.

Front view of the Bulgari Diagono Scuba showing the black dial, unidirectional bezel, and rubber strap.
Front view of the Bulgari Diagono Scuba showing the black dial, unidirectional bezel, and rubber strap. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Bulgari
Reference
SD 38 S
Catalogue / lot identifier
54
Source-reported date
circa 2000-2010
Source-reported place
Italy and Switzerland
Source-reported serial
L 8055

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The Bulgari Diagono Scuba, reference SD 38 S, is constructed in stainless steel with a round profile. It includes a unidirectional revolving bezel used for tracking decompression times, marked with a 60-minute scale. The crown is protected by integrated crown guards to improve durability during diving activities. The case-back is of a screwed design, which contributes to the water-resistant property of the timepiece.

The black dial serves as the primary interface, featuring center-seconds and a half-instantaneous date display located at the 3 o'clock position. The hour markers and hands include luminous material for visibility. The dial displays branding and certification text, including 'Chronometer Officially Certified'. The auction report states the case shows slight scratching, while the dial itself is categorized as in good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “round-shaped, gentleman’s wristwatch, water-resistant with screwed case-back, winding crown protected by the crown guards”
  • “60-minute graduated unidirectional revolving bezel for the decompression times”
  • “black colour dial with centre-seconds and half-instantaneous date of the month”

Movement and Technical Details

The timepiece is driven by the caliber 220 movement, which contains 21 jewels. This is a self-winding automatic caliber. The watch is recognized as a chronometer, a designation that signifies precision testing.

The movement is signed by the manufacturer, consistent with the signatures found on the dial and the exterior of the case. The watch maintains a diameter of approximately 38.1 mm and weighs roughly 85 grams, providing a standard size for this specific reference within the Diagono product family.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 220, 21 jewels”
  • “Chronometer Officially Certified”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Provenance and Authentication

The item is identified as lot 54 and is manufactured by Bulgari, with operations noted in both Rome and Neuchâtel. The serial number assigned to the case is L 8055. The watch is presented on a black rubber Bulgari strap that is completed with a stainless steel double-folding Bulgari deployant clasp. The watch is authenticated through signatures located on the dial, the case itself, and the internal movement.

The auction house lists the object with a grade of 'A' and defines it as 'Good' in the provided grading system. The documentation provided confirms the date range as circa 2000-2010.

Evidence for this section
  • “Brand Bulgari, Rome and Neuchâtel”
  • “Case No. L 8055”
  • “Signature dial, case and movement”

Open research questions

  • What specific water-resistance depth rating was achieved by this reference?
  • What are the specific operational characteristics of the caliber 220 as utilized in this specific Bulgari model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulgari Diagono Scuba SD 38 S
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulgari“Brand Bulgari, Rome and Neuchâtel”
ReferenceSD 38 S“Reference SD 38 S”
SerialL 8055“Case No. L 8055”
MovementCaliber 220, 21 jewels“Caliber 220, 21 jewels”
Diameter38.1 mm“Diameter 38.1 mm.”
FunctionsSelf-winding, centre-seconds, date“SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, DATE”
Bezel60-minute graduated unidirectional revolving“60-minute graduated unidirectional revolving bezel”
GradeGrade A“Grading System Grade: A”

Visible details

  • Unidirectional 60-minute graduated bezel
  • Half-instantaneous date aperture at 3 o'clock
  • Luminous hour markers and hands
  • Bulgari signed rubber strap with deployant clasp

Research qualifications

  • Movement requires an overhaul
  • Case condition reflects slight scratching

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

BULGARI REF. SD 38 S, DIVER’S, SELF-WINDING, CENTRE-SECONDS, DATE; “DIAGONO SCUBA”; STAINLESS STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 71899202f6

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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