When Coronovirus put everyone into lockdown there were a few things we knew we’d have to miss for the moment: Bond 25, any form of holiday and Bulgari’s newest, record-breaking Finissimo. There’s one every year so don’t call us prescient quite yet, but the fact remains that the summer’s watch schedule was very obviously devoid of a shiny new Octo. Until Now. Obviously.
As Geneva Watch Days opens – we’ll let you know how it went in a couple of days – one of the highlights turns out to be the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic. It’s the sixth record breaker from the Italian jeweller-come-watchmaker in as many years and, in many ways, is the culmination of everything their ultra-thin drive has achieved so far.
Combining both last year’s chronograph and the skeleton tourbillon before that, there’s a lot of haute horology on show here. It even has a microrotor, despite being a mind-bogglingly anorexic 7.4mm thick. At 42mm wide of titanium, it’s also incredibly light. Worryingly so, on the wrist.
The new record-holder comes hot on the heels of Bulgari’s other records, the smallest ladies tourbillon in the Dubai Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon and the Diva Finissima Minute Repeater, the thinnest ladies chiming watch available. Granted I wouldn’t wear either of them – at least without the right ball gown – but as ever the Octo remains a fantastically wearable watch.
Powered by the BVL 388 calibre automatic movement, the ultra-slim contraption still boasts a solid 52-hour power reserve. How long it runs with the chronograph too I can’t tell you quite yet, but will update when I can.
In the meantime, rest assured that you likely won’t be seeing the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton around any time soon. In line with its exceptional nature, it’ll be limited to just 50 pieces worldwide.
Price & Specs:
Model Name: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
Ref: 103295
Case/Dial: 42mm diameter x 7.40mm height, titanium
Water Resistance: 30m (3 bar)
Movement: Calibre BVL 388, in-house, automatic
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Power Reserve: 52h
Functions: Hours, minutes, one-minute tourbillon, chronograph
Strap: Sandblasted titanium bracelet
Price: €150,000 limited to 50 pieces
More details at Bulgari.
