GENEVA WATCH DAYS: The Bulgari novelties find a luxe upgrade for the Octo in gold
Fergus NashIn March this year, Bulgari released the world’s thinnest mechanical watch with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, only to be beaten again in July by the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari by just 0.05mm. While creating another record-breaking watch within a handful of months would be inconceivable, the Bulgari lineup for Geneva Watch Days offers an elegant and daring display of contrasts while they (presumably) work towards taking their title back.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days
While thickness is often the headline behind exceptional Octo Finissimo releases, this time the masterminds at Bulgari have designed their new watch around showcasing the extra-fine calibre BVL 199 SK. The movement is still incredibly thin, with the entire watch’s height coming in at just 5.95mm, but the focus is placed on the 8-day power reserve which is boldly indicated on the dial next to the small seconds subdial. The grey sprawling bridges that stretch across the watch face are strictly structured in a way that echoes the lines of the Octo Finissimo case — itself a love letter to the architecture of Ancient Rome. That blend of beautifully orchestrated industrialism is complimented by the colour scheme, with an 18k pink gold case, the anthracite ‘dial’, and a chocolate brown alligator strap.
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 5.95mm x 46.5mm |
| Case Material | 18k Pink Gold |
| Water Resistance | 30 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and rear |
| Dial | Skeletonised grey and brown |
| Lug Width | 30mm |
| Strap | Dark brown alligator leather with pin-buckle |
| Movement | BVL 199 SK |
| Power Reserve | 192 hours (8 days) |
| Availability | TBC |
| Price | TBC |
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Gold
As if the Bulgari Octo Finissimo needed any more wow factor, we’re being treated to three new references within an 18k gold case. If you’re thinking that the Octo Finissimo range should be above the “bling” factor that gold usually carries with it, then you have nothing to worry about. The warmth of the rose gold is brought out by a deep chocolate sunburst dial and a matching alligator strap, almost playing into a 1970s palette with more class. The first 40mm model is a simple time-only affair that brings an elegant air of confidence with its solid gold bracelet — a touch of luxury that’s sure to make you feel good whenever you check the time. The second uses the BVL 318 calibre for chronograph and GMT complications within a 43mm case, bridging the design into a sportier territory. The third and final reference is a limited edition (ref. 103717) of only 50 pieces exclusive to the US market, this time using yellow gold instead of rose gold for a little extra pop on the wrist.
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Octo Finissimo Automatic (ref. 103717+103637) / Octo Finissimmo Chronograph GMT Autommatic |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 5.95mm x 46.5mm / 43mm x 8.75mm x 48mm |
| Case Material | 18k Pink Gold / 18k Yellow Gold (103717) |
| Water Resistance | 100 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and rear |
| Dial | Deep chocolate sunburst dial |
| Lug Width | 30mm / 33mm |
| Strap | Dark brown alligator leather with pin-buckle / 18k gold bracelet |
| Movement | BVL 138 / BVL 318 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours / 55 hours |
| Availability | TBC |
| Price | TBC |
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Sejima Edition
In a collaborative design between Bulgari and renowned Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima, this limited edition of 360 pieces really needs to be seen as a real-life object before proper judgement is passed. With focus on contrast and transparency, the sapphire crystal is laden with mirror-like dots that form a sort of mesh effect, allowing you to view the hands beneath with an air of mystique. The case is also entirely polished, throwing some facets into bright silver relief while others are plunged into blackness. Sejima’s autograph is signed on the rear sapphire display crystal, with the calibre BVL 138 proudly visible. The micro-rotor allows for automatic winding while containing the case’s overall thickness to just 6.4mm.
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Octo Finissimo Automatic Sejima Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm x 5.95mm x 46.5mm |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and rear |
| Dial | Skeletonised grey and brown |
| Lug Width | 30mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet with folding buckle |
| Movement | BVL 138 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | TBC |
| Price | TBC |
Bulgari Bulgari
The self-titled Bulgari is somewhat of an underdog in the Italian brand’s modern catalogue, despite being a staple of their watches for over 40 years. The round case with block lugs and an integrated bracelet provides a pure, undiluted dose of Bulgari essence with the mirrored logo etched into the bezel. This new version of the Bulgari Bulgari takes aim at a streetwear vibe with black DLC applied to a stainless-steel case and bracelet, with a sterile black lacquer dial that gives ultimate contrast to the silver hands and hour markers. The 41mm reference comes equipped with a small date display courtesy of the automatic BVL 191 movement, while the smaller 33mm version is time-only with a quartz movement.
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Bulgari |
| Case Dimensions | 33mm x 38mm / 41mm x 47mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel with black DLC |
| Water Resistance | 50 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Black lacquer |
| Lug Width | 19mm / 24mm |
| Strap | Steel bracelet with black DLC and folding buckle |
| Movement | Quartz B043 / BVL 191 |
| Power Reserve | 42 hours |
| Availability | Available from Bulgari’s webstore and boutiques |
| Price | $5,600 AUD / $7,500 AUD |
Bulgari Serpenti Seddutori
The world of feminine watches is constantly yearning for creativity, and the Serpenti Seddutori is always a range worth browsing. The snake’s head case shape doesn’t just provide a smooth and interesting alternative to round, rectangular or tonneau shapes, it also conjures specific images of seduction and temptation. For Geneva Watch Days, Bulgari present four new Serpenti references with some truly unexpected results. The first reference and the most surprising of the bunch is the Serpenti Seddutori Tourbillon, with the prized horological complication featured amongst an explosion of precious stones. The 3.65mm thick case plays home to the calibre BVL 150, proving that Bulgari take this watch as seriously as any of their other high-luxury pieces. The case and bracelet are made from white gold, but this practically becomes invisible to the eye behind the dazzling diamonds and spinels.
Next are two of the ‘standard’ Serpenti Seddutori models, mixing more black-coated steel with rose-gold bezels and dial details, with or without diamonds set into the bezel. Lastly is the Bulgari Serpenti Spiga Ceramic, taking on the same overall appearance as the previous diamond-set reference but now in a case of black ceramic and bonded to a wrist-wrapping ceramic bracelet.
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Serpenti Seddutori / Spiga |
| Case Dimensions | 34mm x 9.4mm / 33mm / 35mm (Spiga) |
| Case Material | 18k white gold / stainless steel with black DLC / black ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 30 Metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Diamond pavé / black |
| Lug Width | 17mm / 16mm / 18mm |
| Strap | 18k white gold / stainless steel with black DLC / black ceramic |
| Movement | BVL 150 / Quartz |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Availability | TBC |
| Price | TBC |