Italian jeweler and watchmaker, Bulgari, hosted a party at their two-level 5th Avenue boutique last Tuesday – to showcase their new ultra-thin “Octo Finissimo” timepieces. Bulgari’s head of watch design, Fabrizio Buonamassa, was on hand to explain the newest addition to the collection.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo

Buonamassa is pictured wearing the 5 mm thick Octo Finissimo wristwatch. He explained to PROFESSIONAL WATCHES, that the decision to position the small seconds display off-center, was to create a more attractive look that did not obstruct the Arabic numeral at 6 o’clock.
He went on to describe how Buglari succeeded in producing such an incredibly thin mechanical timepiece. First, the movement designers had to create a caliber that is a mere 2.23 mm thick, which of course took years of research and development. Second, the case was specially fabricated with only two pieces (bezel and case), as opposed to the common three-piece case design (bezel, case, and caseback). Uniquely, the sapphire glass back is secured directly to the case.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo, just 5 mm thick

Powering the Finissimo Power Reserve is caliber BVL 128 which is a manual wind manufacture movement. Decorated with Côtes de Genève, chamfering and perlage finishing. Power reserve of 70-hours.
The ultra-thin octagonal platinum case measures 40 mm in diameter and features a black ceramic set crown. The dial has an elegant black polished lacquered finish, with raised indexes and skeletonized hour and minute hands.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo caliber BVL 128 with power reserve indicator

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon – world’s thinnest tourbillon

The Octo Finissimo features an integrated alligator strap with platinum ardillon buckle. The retail price is $26,200. (Ref. BGO40BPLXT)