There is no denying that Bvlgari are one of the finest jewellery makers around and over the past few years have really established themselves also as one of the finest watchmakers around too. Bvlgari have been making watches for many, many years, though attractive men’s watches were probably not their best suit. Over the past few years, this has changed greatly. In 2017, Bvlgari introduced its newest ultra-thin Octo Finissimo Automatic in titanium, which set a new world record for ultra-thin watches at the time. In 2018, Bvlgari introduced the same piece in steel and just a few weeks ago, Bvlgari announced this new example with a satin steel finish.
The thinness of the Octo Finissimo is partly due to the calibre BVL 138 Finissimo, which when released in 2017 was the world’s thinnest self-winding movement – just 2.23mm thick. Unlike AP’s calibre 2120 (which is still the world’s thinnest full-rotor automatic movement) the calibre makes use of the micro-rotor, which in my humble opinion affords a better look at the movement through the exhibition case back. And just in case you were wondering; this thinnest movement in the world today is the calibre BVL 288 – yes, another Bvlgari movement – which is just 1.95mm thick and belongs inside the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon.
The satin brushed case of this Octo Finissimo is a sight to behold. The Octo Finissimo is very well-known for its genius design structure, where sharp lines and multiple facets meet the round radial brushed bezel. The watch is 40mm in diameter and 6.4mm thick, which allows for an updated 100 metres of waterproofness. The dial has been given a rather interesting but highly noticeable finish: featuring a silver vertically brushed dial – enhancing its monochromatic characteristics. It sports sapphire crystals front and back, but what is quite abundantly obvious is that the case was designed in such a way that incorporates traditional appeal of ultra-thin watchmaking and at the same time wider audience – it’s a stroke of genius. Getting integrated bracelets right is a skill in itself and the design of the triple-blade folding clasp bracelet is not only unique but accentuates the octagon shape of the watch head.
FLEETING THOUGHTS
This new offering from Bvlgari keeps the Octo Finissimo looking fresh and adds to what is already available in the satin brushed steel case. The design of the Octo Finissimo is unique but at the same time appears organic and this is exactly how it should be. The allure of Octo Finissimo Automatic is attributed to its combination of shapes, simple but yet elegant design of the dial, the seriously thin profile and its beautiful execution in satin brushed case that features the beautifully designed integrated steel bracelet.
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Automatic in Satin Polished Stainless Steel with Silver dial, when available will retail for approx. £9,950. For more information, visit bvlgari.com
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