Since the collection’s inception, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo has set plenty of records in contemporary watchmaking. The story began in 2014, with the world’s slimmest tourbillon watch. By advancing the art of miniaturization, combined with a design approach unique to the brand, most notably the complex case construction which is reminiscent of Italian architecture, the collection today includes some of the most sought-after icons of modern times.
Over the past decade, the Octo Finissimo series has set nine records, including the world’s slimmest three-hand watch and the world’s slimmest automatic chronograph.
Celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2024, Bulgari created a new design approach, introduced in three limited editions via the Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch. As the name suggests, these timepieces are inspired by the world of arts. Their dials feature an illustration of their movement from Bulgari’s Product Creation Executive Director Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, sketched onto the dial blank and looking like a drawing fresh from the watchmaking studio.
You can find all the details on this “canvas,” from the main plate decorated with Geneva Waves to the escapement, the micro-rotor, the screws and jewels. In order to give this work of art the greatest possible scope, the dial has no markers. The central hour and minute hands are skeletonized, while the subsidiary seconds hand is positioned at 7 o’clock.
The first Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch series will be available in two limited editions, 280 pieces in stainless steel and 70 in rose gold. Both have a diameter of 40mm, a svelte height of 6.4mm, and a water-resistance of 100 meters.
They are powered by the self-winding in-house BVL 138 caliber, which offers a 60-hour power reserve. Each sapphire caseback is engraved with “EDIZIONE LIMITATA” and “1884 – 2024” to commemorate Bulgari’s 140th anniversary.
The automatic versions are limited to 280 pieces in steel and priced at €17,800 ($19,350 when converted to USD) and 70 pieces in pink gold priced at €51,000 ($55,400 when converted to USD).
To learn more, visit Bulgari, here.