Original sin – the Bulgari Octo L’Originale in black and gold

Felix Scholz

Regular readers will register precisely zero surprise when I state that the entirety of Time+Tide are raging fans of Bulgari’s distinctive Octo — but, if we’re being completely real (and when are we not?), then it’s the Octo Finissimo that attracts the lion’s share of our ardour. But it’s not the only arrow in that particular octagonal quiver. There’s the chronograph, the Roma (kind of), and this guy here — the Bulgari Octo L’Originale. 

While the Octo L’Originale isn’t a new model this year, this latest version has been given a look that is, as the kids say, fresh. The 41mm case, with its 110 facets, is dark and deadly thanks to a black DLC coating, except for the crown and the octagonal bezel that sits beneath the blackened, round bezel. The effect is more subtle than we’re used to with black and gold watches, and gives the effect of the occasional flash of gold, rather than a full-on flash. The black is the perfect foil for the rose gold. High-contrast, sporty and luxe, all in one package. 

The dial is also a winner: minimal text, grained matt finish and rose gold text and applied numerals — with the trademark ‘12’ and ‘6’ numbers. One thing I’d not noticed before on this watch was the way that the inner angles of the applied indices were all cut to echo the overall octagonal shape. Nice touch, Bulgari. 

The rubber strap is also a smart choice, and adds some sports chic to the overall package — and with 100 metres of water resistance, getting this watch wet is definitely viable. The movement is Bulgari’s reliable BVL 191 Solotempo, with a 28,800 vph beat rate and a 42-hour power reserve. Finishing is industrial, but pretty nonetheless. 

So sure, it might not be super thin, but the Octo L’Originale has ample charms of its own, which make it a solid and attractive choice. 

Bulgari Octo L’Originale, ref. 103085 in black and gold, price

Bulgari Octo L’Originale, ref. 103085, $12,000 AUD