The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic smashes another record

Time+Tide

OK, let’s start with the basics. It’s an Octo Finissimo, so you know what you’re getting — form-wise. Very angular, and very thin. This debut release has been given the sandblasted titanium treatment, for that extra ultra-light oomph — though no doubt we’ll see other case materials come down the pipeline in good time. The design is, as you’d expect, super streamlined — 42mm across, and 6.9mm tall. The dial matches the case, and all the pertinent details have been printed in black, to match the hands. Now don’t get confused by the subdials, the one at nine is running seconds, 6 is a 30-minute counter, and the counter at 3 is actually a second time zone display in 24 hour time — which is a neat inclusion. I particularly love how the pushers on the right (for the chrono) and the single pusher at nine advances the local time in single hour increments. Handy, and something that really shows Bulgari have the needs of the wearer in mind.

And if the case is fundamentally familiar, the movement is anything but. It’s completely new, and as Bulgari is prone to do these days — record breaking. The Caliber BVL 318 is a mere 3.3mm thick, the thinnest automatic chrono ever made. But not only is it the thinnest on record, it’s also impressive and modern, with a platinum peripheral rotor, a solid 55 hours of power reserve, and has a modern, appealing industrial aesthetic.

It also works on the wrist. It’s almost unbelievably thin, but far from fragile-feeling — it feels a touch more substantial than the time-only take, and I think that’s a good thing. It’s a thoroughly modern watch — inside and out, and I think the Octo Finissimo family is one of the most interesting collections in the market at the moment, and the chrono is no exception.

It also makes for a solid value proposition. The recommended Australian retail price of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic is $24,900 AUD.

Made in partnership with Bulgari. However, the opinions expressed in this video are our own in accordance with our Editorial Policy – https://timeandtidewatches.com/editorial-policy/