Watches & Wonders 2026: Bulgari Presents The Octo Finissimo in a New Dimension

Bulgari also introduced at Watches & Wonders 2026 its new Digital Passport for watches. For several years now, a discreet, scannable, encrypted 2D code has been engraved on the caseback of every Bulgari timepiece. This code links to an immutable digital record that stores the specific characteristics of each watch.

Via the Bulgari Touch app, the watch’s digital identity can be accessed by the customer at any time and from anywhere. It includes technical specifications, warranty information, proof of authenticity, certificates, and traceability data. Bulgari’s Digital Passport is based on the technology of the Aura Blockchain Consortium, which was founded in 2021 by LVMH, the Prada Group, and Cartier.

Jonathan Brinbaum, Managing Director of Bulgari Watches, explains: “By turning each watch into a gateway to its own digital passport, we offer a simple and secure way to prove authenticity while enhancing transparency and interaction.”

Octo Finissimo in a 37 mm format

Since its launch in 2014, the Octo collection has embodied the heritage of the LVMH-owned brand, founded in Rome in 1884, combining Swiss watchmaking expertise with Italian design. The Octo’s distinctive geometric form, for instance, references classical Roman architecture. The slim Octo Finissimo watches combine a round dial with an octagonal bezel and a faceted case, giving them an almost architectural presence. They reflect Bulgari’s interpretation of a dress watch à la romana.

Bulgari has now introduced four 37 mm versions of the Octo Finissimo. At first glance, they appear to be the smaller counterparts to the 40 mm models. On closer inspection, however, a different picture emerges.

Three time-only models in titanium and gold

With the new 37 mm versions, Bulgari positions the Octo Finissimo as a more lifestyle-oriented watch, while the predominantly 40 mm models continue to embody the technical focus of the line. These technical attributes are, of course, not reduced in the more compact versions – only the case size has changed.

Jean-Christophe Babin, President and CEO of Bulgari, explains: “By reinterpreting the codes of the Octo Finissimo in this new dimension, we have created a timepiece that goes beyond pure technical performance and fully embraces a contemporary lifestyle.”

Thanks to revised proportions, the case retains its distinctive presence even in the more compact 37 mm format. Compared to the 40 mm Octo Finissimo titanium case, it measures 1.3 mm more in height. At 6.45 mm, however, it still slips effortlessly under any shirt or blouse cuff.

Owing to the reduced diameter, it also sits more ergonomically on a wider range of wrists and weighs just 65 grams. The 37 mm gold case, at 6.45 mm in height, is only 0.05 mm thicker than its 40 mm counterpart.

Three classic time-only variants with small seconds are available. The two titanium versions differ in their surface finishing: sandblasted and satin-polished. The third version is crafted in 18-carat yellow gold. All models feature a screw-down crown with a black ceramic insert and are water-resistant to 3 bar; by contrast, the 40 mm predecessors offer 10 bar.

New in-house calibre BVF 100

Through the transparent caseback, the new trio of time-only models reveals the new in-house calibre BVF 100 with micro-rotor. It is the result of three years of research and development within Bulgari’s workshops.

Here, too, there has been a slight increase in height compared to the BVL 138 in the 40 mm counterpart – albeit by just 0.12 mm, bringing it to 2.35 mm. In terms of diameter, however, the BVF 100 is significantly smaller at 31 mm than the BVL 138, which measures 36.6 mm. This reduction has not resulted in any loss of performance, with the new movement offering a generous 72-hour power reserve (BVL 138: 60 hours).

In addition, it provides ample surface area for elaborate decoration. The finishing of the movement – particularly on the bridges and mainplate – is characterised above all by a radial Côtes de Genève pattern. Also new are screws with octagonal heads.

The real technical feat, however, lies in the fact that, through the clever construction of the BVF 100, Bulgari has been able to scale the dial layout of the 40 mm Octo Finissimo to the new 37 mm version while maintaining identical proportions.

In the titanium models, the dial is crafted from opaline titanium with black indices and hands; the gold version, by contrast, uses the precious metal throughout, including for the dial. Titanium and gold are also used for the trio’s integrated bracelets, which are connected to the case via a new screw-based attachment system. The titanium automatic models are priced at €17,700, while the gold version costs €50,700.

A minute repeater in titanium

The fourth variant in the 37 mm line – limited to 20 pieces – adds a major complication to the range: a minute repeater with two hammers. Crafted from sandblasted titanium, it is powered by the hand-wound calibre BVL 362, which not only drives the dial displays with precision but can also chime the time on demand.

The BVL 362, measuring 3.12 mm in height, is also used in the 40 mm version with minute repeater and offers a power reserve of 42 hours. Regardless of case diameter, the Octo Finissimo with acoustic striking mechanism remains the world’s thinnest wristwatch featuring this major complication.

At an overall height of 6.85 mm, this 37 mm Octo Finissimo minute repeater is slightly thicker than the 37 mm automatic version with a titanium case, but otherwise matches its counterpart without the major complication in all key respects – aside from the price, which stands at €195,000.

bulgari.com