Fender has partnered with Swiss watchmaker Bvlgari for its swankiest 70th anniversary Stratocaster yet, and there’s even a limited-edition watch to boot.
It’s quite a striking design. Bvlgari says it has “artfully embraced the inventive yet nostalgic design approach” of its watchmaking and helped transfer that across to its companion electric guitar.
A Wide-Fade Chocolate Two-Color Sunburst lacquer finish and a quarter-sawn maple neck a soft “V” back shape are two highlights, as is the atypical one-ply parchment pickguard that helps showcase more of its stunning finish.
These features are said to harken back to the ‘Golden Era’ of the electric guitar without condemning itself to pure nostalgia, as per the watch’s vintage-modern chic.
Three direct-mounted Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’54 Strat single-coils sit atop its two-piece ash body, which also has an off-center seam. Its flat-laminated rosewood fingerboard delivers 21 medium vintage frets and a bone nut, together augmented by modern Strat wiring.
As is to be expected, it has a five-way pickup switch, and is rounded out by a Fender Custom Shop Synchronized Tremolo, vintage-style tuners, a wing string tree, and a custom engraved Bvlgari neckplate. Because, why not?
The Strat’s time-keeping companion – not a drummer in this instance – has been limited to 1,200 units and also boasts a sunburst finish. Its clock face trim has a split colorway – dark brown on its lower half to represent nighttime hours, and a creamy white for daytime. Fret-inspired polished indices and hands also make the cut.
“The Stratocaster has been at the forefront of musical progress and sonic exploration for the last 70 years,” says Fender’s Justin Norvell. “We wanted to partner with a brand with a similarly rich history; 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,” adds Bvlgari CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin.
“This collaboration is the fusion of two iconic legacies and two precision instruments. It symbolizes a harmonious journey through time and sound.”
Alongside the 1,200 watches, 140 Exclusive Anniversary sets, and 70 standalone guitars costing $4,525 each, will be made available on August 30.
Visit the Fender Custom Shop to learn more.
