The Art of Mastery

Given that the limits of movement slimness had already been reached with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, achieving an even slimmer profile for the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC involved a rework of the case by optimizing the sapphire crystal. Through patient, meticulous incremental steps, the engineers were able to shave off that critical tenth of a millimeter – and establish a new world record.

In terms of the overall structure, the case back serves as the mainplate, upon which the 170 components of the manually wound BVL180 manufacture caliber are assembled. These components are selected using 1/10-micron optical measuring systems, so as to be able to select the parts that are closest to the perfect dimension, in order to exceed the precision of production resources. This COSC-certified mechanical movement introduces another layer of complexity and marks a first for the Ultra line.

The challenge of ensuring adequate rigidity for a watch measuring 40 mm in diameter and just 1.70 mm thick was met by crafting case back/mainplate from particularly dense, hard and ultra-resistant tungsten carbide.

Moreover, to maximize the use of the watch’s surface area, the hour and minute dials, the large barrel – with a 50-hour power reserve – and the escapement cleverly play with the circular geometry of the bezel opening, adjusting it ever so slightly.

Two years ago, the Octo Finissimo Ultra, which is still available by special order, opened contemporary haute horlogerie to new connected worlds. The QR code on the ratchet has now been transformed into a miniaturized Datamatrix on the back, it provides all the data relating to the watch and invites you on a personal journey into the Bvlgari universe. With images and videos, it provides a better understanding of the quest for ultimate finesse, the special skills and ingenuity that went into the creation of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC.

An exceptional watch needs an exceptional case: with the case dedicated to the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, Bvlgari reinvents the experience of setting and winding its watch. If you don’t want to use traditional methods, you can place your watch in the dedicated case, equipped with a digital display. The desired time is then programmed, and the adjustment cycle launched at the touch of a button. In a matter of seconds, the watch is perfectly adjusted and wound with impeccable precision. It’s like having a watchmaker at home.

As a hallmark of its era, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (104081), a new milestone in the history of watchmaking, is being introduced in limited series of 20 pieces.

“What makes us so proud of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is not just that it represents a remarkable triumph over the constraints of physics, but the spirit and depth of mechanical ingenuity behind it that so perfectly encapsulate the ethos of our Maison,” concludes Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. “To break new ground, to think differently in seeking to achieve greater reliability, performance, and elegance, that is what propels us forward.”

The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Manual in rose gold captivates not only with the slimness of its movement (1.95 mm) but also with the sense of lightness it exudes. Housed in a 40 mm case alternating satin and polished finishes, the skeleton tourbillon reveals its complex mechanism: the BVL 268SK manufacture caliber. This flying tourbillon movement, enhanced with a microblasted grey finish, provides a power reserve of 52 hours.

Equipped with the same BVL 268SK manufacture caliber with a satin black finish – the world’s thinnest tourbillon movement — and featuring the same finishes, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Manual in titanium features a 40 mm case with a DLC treatment. It stands out particularly for its rose gold hands and chapter ring, contrasting with the black of the case and rubber strap. A clash of materials and colors so dear to Bvlgari, reflecting a perfectly assumed audacity.

The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is built around the automatic BVL 288 manufacture caliber (1.95 mm) in a microblasted blue finish. The 40 mm platinum case (4.95 mm thin) alternates between satin and polished surfaces, revealing all the wheels and gears – including the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock – that drive this ultra-complex mechanism.

Like all the creations that have preceded them in the collection, the new Octo Finissimo pieces don’t just set new standards; they redefine expectations, heralding a revolution in design and technical achievement. They are wrist-worn artworks. They epitomize dynamic, continuous, and limitless innovation. Bvlgari doesn’t just mark time; it propels it into new territories of imagination and excellence.”