In recent years, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo has broken several records. Although there is no new record to celebrate this time, the Italian watch manufacture is adding two new models to its award-winning collection. One of them is the Octo Finissimo Yellow Gold in 18-carat yellow gold, which draws inspiration from the brand’s Art Deco watches from the 1930s. The other is the Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper, featuring a rare colour combination of a steel case and a salmon-coloured dial.
The new Octo Finissimo editions are characterised by their ultra-flat, octagonal case which measures 40 mm in diameter and 6.4 mm in height. The 58 facets of the case shine in 18-carat yellow gold on the Yellow Gold and in 904 L steel, which is also used in the aerospace industry, on the Tuscan Copper. The crowns are made from the respective material and have a black ceramic inlay. In addition, the timepieces are water-resistant up to 100 metres and showcase their extremely flat movement through the open caseback.
For the new Octo Finissimo dials, Bulgari takes inspiration from two different eras. Firstly, the Yellow Gold edition has a deep blue dial. Together with the yellow-gold case, it echoes the aesthetics of timepieces from the 1930s. By contrast, the choice for the Tuscan Copperfell is a shade between copper and salmon red. Together with the steel case, this is a rare colour combination within the Octo Finissimo collection.
The metallic hue pays homage to Mannerism, an artistic movement from the 16th century that also deeply influenced Designer Farbrizio Buonamass Stigliani. As he explains, ‘The bold colours of Mannerism were a radical departure from the soft hues of the High Renaissance. One member of the movement, Jacopo da Pontormo, was known for his vibrant, almost metallic colour combinations, which can also be found on the dial of the Octo Finissimo Tuscan Copper.’ In addition, both dials feature a sunburst pattern. While the Yellow Gold’s hands and hour markers are gold-plated, the ones on the Tuscan Copper are more subtle thanks to the rhodium plating. The small seconds with baton hour markers lies between 6 and 9 o’clock.
What makes the Octo Finissimo timepieces so special is the ultra-thin BVL 138 manufacture movement. The calibre is only 2.23 mm thick and has an automatic winding system with a platinum micro-rotor. The small seconds movement oscillates at a frequency of 3 Hz and has a power reserve of 60 hours. In addition, the surfaces of the calibre visible above the caseback are bevelled by hand, beaded, and finished with Côtes de Genève decoration.
An integrated bracelet with a three-fold clasp completes both versions. Matching the case, the bracelet for the Octo Finissimo Yellow Gold is made of 18-carat yellow gold. The bracelet of the Tuscan Copper consists of satinised 904L steel. Due to their distinct materials, the two models differ greatly in price. While the gold version costs 49,200 euros, the steel version is available for 15,500 euros.
