Octo Finissimo Automatic

CASE : sandblasted titanium, titanium crown with ceramic insert, sapphire crystal back, water-resistant to 30m DIAMETER : 40mm
(5.15mm thick)

MOVEMENT : mechanical self-winding (Caliber BVL 138 Finissimo, 60-hour power reserve), Côtes de Genève motif, beveled bridges and circular-grained mainplate, 2.23mm thick

FUNCTIONS : hours, minutes, small seconds

DIAL : titanium, PVD-coated black hands

BRACELET/STRAP : titanium bracelet with folding clasp or black alligator leather strap with titanium pin buckle

In recent years, Bulgari watches have entered a whole new dimension. Spearheading this new status as a brand that matters in the field of Fine Watchmaking, the Octo has become an iconic collection by asserting its own distinctive personality. No trace of aesthetic inspiration merely borrowed from other brands ; a new daring and elegant style paying tribute to the masterpieces of Italian architecture ; a subtle blend of finesse and masculinity ; an alliance between the distinctive aesthetic of Rome and the indispensable technical content required for competing in the big leagues… Bulgari now firmly belongs to the closed (but not octagonal) circle of watch brands that regularly create a buzz at Baselworld. This year, the Octo Finissimo Automatic set a much-coveted title as the world’s thinnest self-winding watch : its 2.23mm thick movement is snugly fitted inside an ultra-thin (Finissimo !) case measuring just 5.15mm thick. This is the third world record after those set by the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon in 2014 and the splendid Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater which was a finalist in last year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

Ultra-thinness is a horological complication in its own right. As Guido Terreni, CEO Bulgari watches points out, “each element, even the tiniest, must be imagined and developed right from the start so as to participate in the extreme overall slimness of this exceptional timepiece. Not only the components of the self-winding movement, but also the entire set of elements composing the case and dial.” As one would expect at this level of watchmaking quality, this 2017 new model available as of this summer is driven by an in-house Manufacture movement equipped with a platinum micro-rotor that is sufficiently powerful – despite its slenderness – to ensure 60 hours of operating autonomy. The decoration of this caliber can be admired through the sapphire crystal back of the titanium case, featuring a harmonious blend of volumes and shapes representing a key asset of this major example of contemporary watchmaking design. The sensory pleasure procured by the Octo Finissimo includes an undeniably pleasing touch, notably in the version with titanium bracelet : the playful and sensual caress of its astonishingly supple and articulated links is lighter than ever. Its attractive quality-price ratio in no way detracts from its seductive appeal, on the contrary ! GMT and WorldTempus are indeed proud to be presenting an Octo Finissimo Automatic as a one-of-a-kind model on page 58, with a 16 at 16:00 (4 o’clock) on the dial to mark the 16th anniversary of WorldTempus.

More on Bulgari watch brand