Des Bulles is created in collaboration with American collector and retailer Martin Pulli, the SB04-E Des Bulles is a limited edition of 26 pieces inspired by a glass of champagne seen directly from above. The project takes its name from the familiar French invitation “des bulles?”, or “some bubbles?”, often heard at the beginning of the apéro. Armand Billard translated this simple expression of conviviality into a dial where circles of mother-of-pearl appear to rise through black lacquer, evoking the bubbles, reflections and movement inside the glass.
Each dial is individually composed by Japanese lacquer artist Tatsuya Todo using the traditional art of raden. Champagne-glass markers, outlined numerals and newly developed spear-shaped hands complete a playful interpretation shaped through an ongoing creative dialogue with Martin Pulli.
Des Bulles : A Glass Seen From Above
Rather than drawing on the familiar imagery of champagne bottles and labels, Armand approached the subject through the experience of looking directly into the glass. Circles of mother-of-pearl become progressively smaller towards the centre of the dial,creating a sense of perspective and depth. Their natural iridescence reveals changing reflections of turquoise, violet, green, blue and pink, bringing movement to the compositionas the watch catches the light. A double white line suggests the rim of the glass, while stylised champagne flutes replace the conventional markers at the odd hours. Outlined numerals inspired by the expressive typography of champagne labels reinforce the identity of the watch without turning the dial into a literal illustration.
Japanese Craftsmanship, of Tatsuya Todo, in a Contemporary Composition
The dials are the creations of Tatsuya Todo, also known as Kosetsu, a Japanese artist officially recognised as a traditional craftsman of Yamanaka lacquerware in 1995. Using raden, Todo individually selected each circular fragment of mother-of-pearl for its size, colour and natural reflections before positioning it by hand within the black lacquer. The surface was then refined and polished through successive stages until the shell appeared embedded within the material. Every fragment contributes to the perspective and balance of the complete composition.Because of the natural variations in the mother-of-pearl and the individual placement of each element, no two dials can be identical.
SB07 Maki-eSB07 Maki-e
A Continuing Collaboration: Sartory Billard & Martin Pulli.
Des Bulles marks the third collaboration between Sartory-Billard and Martin Pulli. The first project, SB07 Maki-e, in two variations. Their second project, the SB04-E Small Bang, explored raden through an explosive radial composition of hand-cut mother-of-pearl, offered in green and purple-blue variations. While visually different, the two editions share a taste for bold graphic compositions, shifting iridescent colour and traditional craftsmanship interpreted in a distinctly contemporary way.
SB04-e Small Bang
Martin Pulli was involved throughout the development of Des Bulles, contributing both his perspective as a collector and more than thirty years of experience working with independent watchmakers and their clients. The final design was developed through an ongoing exchange with Sartory-Billard, with each element discussed and refined as the project evolved. Martin Pulli’s preference for the open composition without a metal chapter ring, the smaller outlined numerals and the new polished spear-shaped hands helped guide the watch towards its final form. Their open centres preserve the view of the lacquer and mother-of-pearl beneath them. This shared development makes Des Bulles a genuine partnership between Martin Pulli and Sartory-Billard, with Tatsuya Todo’s craftsmanship giving material form to their ideas.
Technical Specifications
Name: SB04-E Des Bulles
Reference: SB04E1DB
Case: Stainless steel, 39.5 mm, alternating polished and brushed finishes
Thickness: 10.2 mm
Lug-to-lug: 44 mm
Dial: Black lacquer and mother-of-pearl raden dial
Movement: Swiss-made La Joux-Perret G101A automatic movement, 68-hour power reserve
Water resistance: 100 metres
Bracelet Options:
– Sartory-Billard navy blue rubber strap. Logo pin buckle.
– Sartory-Billard stainless-steel bracelet with alternating brushed and polished links, equipped with quick-release pins for easy strap changes. ½ link for fine adjustment. 3-fold clasp.
Availability & Pricing EUR 9,950 excluding VAT / USD 11,700 excluding applicable sales tax Limited edition of 26 numbered pieces. Orders open September 16th, 2026.
Available exclusively through Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry and Watches.
contact Martin Pulli:
martin@martinpulli.com
215-508-4610
(877-89PULLI)
About Martin Pulli:
Martin Pulli is an American collector and retailer who has worked with watches for more than thirty years. Introduced to vintage watches, jewellery and antiques through his family from an early age, he has built his career around a personal interest in original makers, independent brands and objects with a strong artistic identity.
Based in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighbourhood, Martin Pulli Fine Jewelry and Watches offers independent watches alongside custom, vintage and antique jewellery. Operating by personal appointment, the showroom reflects Pulli’s relationship-led approach, combining a collector’s curiosity with specialised knowledge and direct contact with both makers and clients. About Sartory-Billard:
Sartory-Billard is an independent French watch brand founded in 2015 by designer Armand Billard. Known for its strong focus on materials, textures and dial experimentation, the brand creates watches that combine architectural design with emotional presence. From bespoke commissions to limited editions, every Sartory-Billard watch is developed with the same attention to coherence, tactile experience and individuality. Today, the brand continues to explore new forms of creative watchmaking through both traditional craftsmanship and proprietary technical developments.
