HANDS-ON: Gorgeous and grey – the Bulgari Octo Roma
Felix ScholzIf you’re reading this and thinking ‘grey’ and ‘Bulgari’, I’m welling to bet your mind wanders to this slender beauty. And while that’s entirely understandable, earlier this year we had a look at another, equally alluring take on the Octo — the Octo Roma with an anthracite sunburst dial.
The Octo Roma is a fairly recent evolution of the Octo, a dressier, somewhat toned down version, where the octagonal shape that gives the model its name has been softened around the edges — notably with the circular brushed steel bezel — which means the 41mm Octo Roma does a good impression of a classical round watch while maintaining some of the appeal of a more boldly shaped watch.
Really, though, the draw of this Octo Roma isn’t the shape. Sure, it’s a part of it, but for me it’s all about the grey-on-grey-on-grey colour scheme and the soft, almost velvety textures at play. The dial is richly textured, and the gunmetal colour provides plenty of visibility for the mirror-like hour markers and hands. The case, with its mix of brushed and polished finishes, sits harmoniously between the two. The black alligator strap and the handsomely finished in-house Solotempo BVL 191 movement all play solid supporting roles, allowing that subtle balance of shades and shapes to play the starring role. Bravo Bulgari
Bulgari Octo Roma Australian pricing
Bulgari Octo Roma, with anthracite dial on alligator, $8250