Words: Josh Lee
As has long been de rigueur in the world of horology, every season sees the launch of a phenomenal bevvy of limited-edition watches that celebrate the anniversary of an iconic model. One of the major headlines from last year’s circuit was the reveal of Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra, an ode to the brand’s ten-year-old Octo line, one that has been rightfully famed for its eight-sided faces, sharp lines, tireless pursuit for thinness, and an accolade-heavy record.
As a quick recap, the 2022 announcement felt like the type of move often seen in the tech world – where the quest for compact proportions and exclusivity knows no bounds – with the Octo Finissimo Ultra drawing heads for its impossibly slender, 1.80mm-thin silhouette, eight patent applications, and ten-piece-only availability.
Further technical specs include a 50-hour power reserve; winding and time-setting wheels in a futuristic-looking stainless-steel material; and a seconds display directly on the fourth wheel, all of which are housed in a 40mm sandblasted titanium case. Moreover, a titanium bracelet, with integrated folding clasp, ties everything together, and the dial displays just a ‘10’ digit – a subtle gesture to the anniversary – rather than the conventional ‘12’.
Additionally, even though this celebratory creation is an homage to the range that underpins it, there is certainly a hat tip to the future, as the ratchet of the barrel is engraved with a unique QR code that, when scanned, takes the wearer to a URL that showcases the making of the watch, via videos, interviews and sketches.
Even more notable is that each one also comes with an exclusive NFT, a “composition”, overseen by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari Watches’ product creation executive director, which showcases his decade-long tenure working on Octo and the road that lead to the anniversary piece. Registered with Bvlgari Singvlarity technology on the blockchain, this innovative feature forms just one of those eight patents that have been filed for the product.
To pad out its contemporary spirit, this piece of wristwear has also passed a set of “urban use” tests – notably, it’s resistant to micro-shocks, magnetic fields, ageing cycles and temperature.
Now that these watches are being shipped, it has been recently revealed that the send-off will be done in spectacular style, with each one arriving in a black presentation box. As Bulgari prefers not to do things by halves, there is an innovative feature that comes with the vessel.
As the brand states: “Collectors can place the watch in the box next to a digital screen on which they programme the desired time. A button is then pressed to start the cycle and as soon as the precious box is closed, the magic happens while hidden from sight. Upon opening it some 20 seconds later, the owner will find the watch perfectly set to the desired time and fully wound – silently, delicately and with infinite precision.”
(It should be noted that the tactile experience of winding the piece manually will still be available to the wearer.)
Even though this release may mark the end for the Octo line, does the digital-heavy, experience-led final goodbye suggest that Bulgari will continue down the tech rabbit hole for future collections? We certainly hope so.
Want more watches? We take a look at the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph 60th Anniversary Edition…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal member. Find out more here.
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
