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INTRODUCING: The Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial is the Silver Surfer we never knew we wanted… INTRODUCING: The Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial is the Silver Surfer we never knew we wanted…

INTRODUCING: The Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial is the Silver Surfer we never knew we wanted…

Zach Blass

The Octo Finissimo has become a real fan-favorite in the watch community and redefined expectations for the ultra-thin watch category. Many have expressed concern about the saturation of integrated stainless-steel sports watches, but the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, originally introduced in 2014 gave buyers the best of both worlds: an integrated bracelet sports watch, but with an incredibly distinct and original design. You see a whole new side to watch design all thanks to the 110 facets of the case that work to create an architecture only the “Roman Jeweler of Time” can provide. The second generation removed the uniform tone of the first, trading a muted sandblasted texture for the more common harmony of satin brushes and mirror polishes. The new Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial finds middle ground between the two, pairing the monochromatic aesthetic of the first with the contrasting finishes introduced in the second.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial

The biggest revelation here is the new vertically brushed silvered dial. The dial texture plays really well with the contrasting finishes, it almost makes the dial feel like it is frozen in time – like Han Solo in carbonite. To ensure the monochromatic look does not come off too flat, Bulgari utilises the contrast of brushed and polished surfaces to make the watch pop via how the metal plays with light. It has an aspect of minimalism that will never go out of style. Its faceted and futuristic design will remain new and refreshing for decades to come.

This new Octo Finissimo S maintains the specifications we have all come to adore with a case that’s 40mm in diameter, 6.4mm thick and 46.5mm lug-to-lug across the wrist. While ultra-thin for a sports watch, Bulgari has retained the increased water resistance, up to 100 metres, for this new and sleek entry into the lineup.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial

The integrated bracelet is very well made, meeting the case flush with absolutely no gaps. The introduction of mirror polish to the bracelet really elevates an already incredible and original design. The top front facing side of the links is satin brushed, but has an inner mirror polished scallop that creates depth and definition. The sides of the links are also high polished and are secured by pins and sleeves.

The contrast of satin brush versus high polish help to better define the facets of the bracelet, as well as the case, creating more easily registered lines for the eye to admire. The shorter length but increased quantity of the links help ensure you can find your perfect fit. What I really love about the Octo Finissimo bracelets are their butterfly clasps that rest flush within the bracelet. This maintains the thin profile and slender stance on the wrist and is also much more comfortable than a clasp digging into your wrist.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial

Like its predecessors, the watch is powered by the BVL 138 caliber that is only 2.23mm thick. The 138 has a power reserve of 60 hours and ticks away at a classic 21,600 vph. The movement is decorated very nicely, but what most impresses me is the consideration for daily wear and sport in its architecture. Sure the movement is ultra-thin, but it’s full balance bridge that anchors the escapement makes this movement much more shock-resistant that other super skinny calibers. Plus, having a platinum micro-rotor not only means you get a small bit of the king of precious metals, but also an incredibly efficient winding system as platinum has quite a heft to it.

I have be honest, I am unexpectedly blown away by this release. I did not think anything would top the blue dialled version we were previously introduced too. But with the saturation of blue this past year, I have been keeping my eye out for designs that forego the versatile colour for something different. While Silver is typically reserved and a bit tame, there is something about the monochromatic tone here that just really works – it may just be my favorite standard production Octo Finissimo S Bulgari offers.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial

Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial pricing and availability:

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo S Silvered Dial will be available in Bulgari boutiques and online via Bulgari.com. Price: $12,000 USD