New Octo Finissimo Sketch models celebrate Bulgari’s 140th anniversary
Borna Bošnjak- Bulgari celebrates its 140th anniversary with three new Octo Finissimo Sketch models.
- Recalling the 10th anniversary of the Octo Finissimo, the new limited editions feature esquisse dials that use Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s sketches.
- Two automatic models in steel and rose gold are limited to 280 pieces and 70 pieces, respectively, while a steel Chronograph GMT is limited to 140 pieces.
There has been no shortage of special-edition Octo Finissimo models throughout the years, whether that be collaborations with artists, architects or auction houses. The models that seem to have captured WIS’ hearts most, however, seem to be the Sketch editions for the Octo Finissimo’s 10th anniversary. The 400 pieces spanning two references sold quickly, so it’s no surprise Bulgari chose to revisit the sketch dial to celebrate the brand’s own 140th anniversary, also expanding the offering to three models. Appropriately named the Octo Finissimo Sketch 140th Anniversary, Bulgari’s Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani once again lent his touch to the dials, but this time making them appear as if you’re looking through a filter of some sort, turning the movements behind back to sketch form.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch
While the original Sketch Octos could pass as your bog-standard models from afar, the 140th Anniversary LEs make it immediately obvious that something is different. For starters, the dials are very busy, mostly thanks to the level of detail that was replicated in the sketch. It’s not just the outline of the movement architecture, Buonamassa Stigliani also added details such as the anglage of the plates, regulator on the balance wheel, as well as the côtes de Genève decoration. As a cherry on top, there are a few scribbled notes telling you about all of the details that have been jotted down, offhandedly placed, but immediately recalling a designer’s sketchbook.
The BVL 138 micro-rotor automatic remains unchanged from other variants of the Octo Finissimo Automatic, and for good reason. For starters, it’s nicely decorated, with Buonamassa Stigliani recalling early feedback: “Even today I remember one of the first comments when we presented the Finissimo Automatic: ‘It’s almost a shame not to be able to see the movement all the time.'” The commenter’s wish finally came true, with the slim, in-house calibre permanently on display dialside, also helping the 40mm case retain its excellent 6.4mm thickness. The other notable novelty is the addition of a rose gold model to the Sketch collection, sporting Bulgari’s latest brushed and polished finishing. Both the steel and rose gold model feature screw-down crowns offering 100 metres of water resistance, an objective upgrade over the 10th Anniversary models.
A final, nerdy note on the sketch dial – notice how the backdrop of the micro-rotor cut-out was finished on the dial, with this arrangement of thick, angled lines distinctive from the fainter ones found on the bridges. You’ll also find an arrow pointing to it, saying “perlage”, but I’m surely not the only one who thinks that this doesn’t quite look like the perlage finish found on the actual baseplate of the BVL 138? Well… maybe I am the only one nitpicky enough.
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch 140th Anniversary limited editions are available in steel and rose gold, limited to 280 and 70 pieces, respectively. Price: A$26,600, €17,800 (steel), A$76,900, €51,000 (rose gold)
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch |
| Reference | 104163 104165 |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 6.4mm (T) x 46.5mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel Rose gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Lacquer, with movement sketch |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Bracelet | Flat-link case-matching bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | BVL 138, in-house, micro-rotor |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds |
| Availability | 280 pieces in steel, 70 pieces in rose gold |
| Price | A$26,600, €17,800 (steel) A$76,900, €51,000 (rose gold) |
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch
I mentioned a third model in this line-up, and that’s of course another sketch-y (see what I did there?) take on the Finissimo Chronograph GMT. I only make that joke as we’re yet to see the full images of it, but the teaser provided by Bulgari gives enough of a hint as to what it’ll look like. Rather than the all-movement sketch of the Automatic, the Chronograph GMT pays much more attention to legibility, with the corresponding chronograph, running seconds, and GMT sub-dials still present. We do know that it’ll be housed in a 43mm, polished steel case, so expect something similar to the existing Octo Finissimo S models.
What the dial sketch doesn’t include at all is the peripheral rotor that helps the Finissimo Chronograph GMT retain its 8.75mm thickness. Granted, it’s not the most obvious feature of the caseback either, as it’s subtly integrated in a non-contrasting finish, but it would’ve been a cool feature to include nonetheless. As far as its other stats, it’s a column wheel chronograph beating at 3Hz, with a 55-hour power reserve.
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch 140th Anniversary will be limited to 140 pieces. Price: €20,800
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch |
| Reference | 104192 |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 8.75mm (T) x 48.8mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres, screw-down crown |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | Sandblasted with movement sketch |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Bracelet | Flat-link steel bracelet, folding clasp |
| Movement | BVL 318, in-house, peripheral rotor |
| Power Reserve | 55 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, GMT |
| Availability | 140 pieces |
| Price | €20,800 |