VIDEO: Drawing up the Bulgari Octo Finissimo 10th Anniversary Limited Editions
Zach BlassConsumers in this day and age are all too familiar with the finished products of watch manufacturers thanks to digital watch media, whether from publications such as ours, social media, or forums. But, it is not always the case that we’re offered a final product that leverages the origins of its design. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Octo collection, two new Bulgari Octo Finissimo 10th Anniversary Limited Editions were recently launched – each utilising dials that leverage the original sketches of Bulgari’s Product Creation Executive Director Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani.
As we saw with the recent auction of Gérald Genta’s original design sketches at Sotheby’s, collectors love owning the thought and artwork behind legendary designs. While a recent collection, the Finissimo is irrefutably a modern classic, and to have a sketch from Fabrizio is an honour and a privilege in of itself. With the new Bulgari 10th Anniversary Limited Editions, you get the best of both worlds – an Octo Finissimo watch and a dial that incorporates the original sketches from Fabrizio himself. Two limited editions of 200 pieces are available for purchase. The first is an Octo Finissimo Automatic, the second a Chronograph GMT Automatic.
Octo Finissimo Automatic 10th Anniversary – 103672
The Octo Finissimo Automatic 10th Anniversary – 103672 leverages the original design execution of the Octo Finissimo, utilising a 3 ATM water-resistant sandblasted titanium case, 40mm in diameter, 5.15mm thick, 45.6mm lug-to-lug. Many lauded the stealth monochromatic appeal of an entirely sandblasted watch, including its titanium dial, and this watch upholds this original design principle.
It also uses the same 2017 record-setting micro-rotor BVL 138 calibre that is a mere 2.23mm thick, and still manages to offer 60 hours of power reserve on a full wind off the wrist. It’s an attractive calibre as well, with a full balance bridge, platinum micro-rotor, Geneva stripes, and chamfered bridges.
Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic 10th Anniversary – 103673
In the same vein as the Octo Finissimo Automatic 10th Anniversary, the Chronograph GMT Automatic 10th Anniversary – 103673 also utilises the more slender yet less water-resistant design framework of the earlier Octo Finissimo models – which, in fairness, is a more fitting choice for an anniversary design. The 1 ATM water-resistant sandblasted titanium case, outfitted on a matching bracelet, houses the fifth record setting calibre within the Octo collection: the thinnest mechanical chronograph with GMT function in watchmaking history, at just 3.3 mm thick. Overall, the watch clocks in at 42mm in diameter, 6.9mm thick, and 48.8mm lug-to-lug. It is an incredible feat of watchmaking, only further immortalised by its limited-edition Fabrizio sketch dial.
One small detail I personally love is the fact that the registers are clearly labelled, with the register at 9′ labelled as “sec” for running seconds, the register at 6′ labelled as “min” for elapsed minutes, and the register at 3′ labelled as “24 H” to convey the GMT register. The BVL 318 inside, also visible beneath and exhibition caseback, is equally as appealing visually as the BVL 138. But a major difference, aside from its level of complication, is the usage of a peripheral rotor instead of a micro-rotor – affording a full view of the decorated GMT chronograph calibre which offers 55 hours of power reserve.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo 10th Anniversary Limited Editions pricing and availability:
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo 10th Anniversary Limited Editions are limited to 200 pieces. For more information on availability and pricing, please contact your local Bulgari boutique directly.
