Phillips adds a sector touch to their limited-edition Bulgari Octo Finissimo
Zach BlassThe Bulgari Octo Finissimo is known first and foremost for its baroque-sculptural case design. But another defining feature across the Finissimo Automatic line is the clean dial that crops up through the collection. These dials are typically not very busy, either brushed, sun-ray lacquered, or matte sandblasted, with simply the hour indices and an asymmetrically placed running seconds. This is why the new Bulgari x Phillips Octo Finissimo really stands out, with its comparatively busy sector dial.
By no means am I mad at this remix of sorts, but it definitely is a distinct switch-up from what is typically associated with the standard-production model. Alas, this sort of re-working is what collaboritive limited editions are all about at the end of the day. Much of the watch, however, is exactly what we already know and love from the Finissimo. Utilising the original and most thin format of the Octo Finissimo Automatic, the Bulgari x Phillips Octo Finissimo Limited Edition is executed in the original sandblasted titanium case and bracelet style. It has the original splash-resistant 30 metre depth rating that allows the case to be super-thin at 5.15mm (rather than the tad more thick 100m water-resistant “S-cased’ Finissimos that jump to 6.4mm thick in order to achieve the greater depth rating). It is also, like previous models, powered by the BVL138 micro-rotor automatic calibre.
Ultimately there are two elements distinct to this limited-edition model. The first, of course, is the sector dial, which introduces a full hashed minute track to the Finnisimo Automatic for the first time. As a result – again, speaking strictly within the scope of the time-only automatic models – it has the busiest dial ever executed, the laser-engraved sector lines, numerals, indices, and minutes track covering the majority of the sandblasted dial.
The second notably new and distinct element is the removal of a running seconds hand. Sector dials are all about symmetry, so to have an assymeterically placed running seconds hand at 7 o’clock would ultimately be distracting within this execution. And, perhaps, the calibre could not be modified to have the running seconds placed at 6 o’clock – or simply Phillips and Bulgari preferred to try the clean two-handed look they have realised here.
With only 50 pieces to be made, my initial impression is that this is a fun and handsome experiment between Bulgari and Phillips. With much of the watch in its usual format, it does not depart very far from what we associate with titanium Finissimo Automatics. But, undoubtedly there is Phillips’ vintage-appreciating flavour at play here with the usage of a sector dial – so, clear DNA from all parties has been brought into the fold.
Bulgari x Phillips Octo Finissimo Limited Edition pricing and availability:
The Bulgari x Phillips Octo Finissimo is a limited edition of 50 pieces, sold exclusively through Phillips. Price: US$16,600
| Brand | Bulgari |
| Model | Bulgari x Phillips Octo Finissimo Limited Edition |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 5.15mm (T) x 46.5mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Sand-blasted titanium |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and rear |
| Dial | Sand-blasted sector dial |
| Lug Width | 30mm |
| Strap | Sand-blasted titanium bracelet with folding buckle |
| Movement | BVL 138 |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Availability | Limited Edition of 50 pcs. |
| Price | US$16,600 |