Wristwatch Journal
The luxury sports watch segment is one of the most dynamic categories of the industry. Many brands have given us their take on the genre… with successes and failures. The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is, without a doubt, one of the defining watches of the last decade and has secured an impressive series of world records for thinness. But it would be reductive to think that the success of the Octo Finissimo is limited to breaking records. More than anything else, the Octo Finissimo is a style statement. Fabrizio Buonamassa and the Bvlgari watch design team created a modern icon, whose ultra-thin profile broke into the market in muted monochrome attire. However, the model now reveals its versatility. Introduced in Dubai in January, the Steel Satin-Polished version of the Octo Finissimo Automatic drastically changed this already great watch. And there’s now a blue dial version coming.
There was already a lot to love about the grained lacquered black dial steel satin-polished version of the Octo Finissimo Automatic before the arrival of this superb blue dial version standing out with its discreet sunray pattern. With the colour of the dial no longer matching the colour of the case, the satin-polished Octo Finissimo marked the end of the monochromatic design for Finissimo. The more consensual treatment of the surfaces, mixing matte and polished – instead of a uniform sandblasted finish – is no less important. By adding changing reflections, this new style emphasizes the architectural and precious aspect of the watch. It also adds a more traditional, sporty touch to the model.
From a technical perspective, the sportier character of the Octo is also reinforced by the beefed-up water-resistance – 100m instead of 30m – thanks in particular to the addition of a screw-down crown. That’s great added functionality. This results in a slightly thicker case, at 6.40mm versus 5.15mm. But it is still supremely comfortable on the wrist and extremely thin for a sports watch.
Turning the watch over, the exhibition caseback still reveals the self-winding calibre BLV 138. This elegant in-house movement is 36.60mm x 2.23mm. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Its platinum micro-rotor winds a barrel that stores 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The finishing includes Geneva stripes and perlage.
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Steel Satin-Polished Blue dial (ref. 103431) is worn on a steel bracelet with a concealed triple folding clasp. It will be available in July 2020, alongside the black dial version we already reviewed. Price is set at EUR 11,500. For more information, please visit www.bulgari.com.
Technical specifications – Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Steel Satin-Polished
Case:
40mm diameter x 6.40mm height – stainless steel, satin-brushed and polished – ultra-thin case – sapphire crystals front and caseback – screw-down crown with ceramic inlay – 100m water-resistant
Dial:
blue dial, lacquered with sunray-brushed pattern – applied numerals – markers and hands polished, rhodium-plated
Movement:
calibre BVL138, in-house – ultra-thin automatic movement with platinum micro-rotor – 36.60mm x 2.23mm – 36 jewels – 21,600 vibrations/hour – 60h power reserve – hours, minutes, small seconds
Bracelet:
stainless steel bracelet, ultra-thin, satin-brushed and polished – triple-folding clasp
