First introduced in 2012, the Bulgari Octo is one of the most striking watch creations of the last decade. Naturally, the impressive Finissimo saga, which turned the Roman Maison into the master of ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking, immediately comes to mind. But as its name suggests, the Finissimo is part of a larger family, the Octo. Its design combines angles, curves and a rounded octagonal shape with Bulgari’s sophisticated design. The brand now revisits the Octo Roma to create an alternative to the Finissimo. Indeed, the new Octo Roma is more versatile and less radical; it is more relaxed, sportier and sturdier while retaining the brand’s distinctive style. It comes in different models and with a new interchangeable strap/bracelet system. We had the opportunity to meet with Antoine Pin, Managing Director of the Bulgari Watch Division, and Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, their Product Creation Executive Director, to discover this tasteful redesign of the collection.
Naturally, the main and first modification to the Octo Roma relates to the case. Its design has been meticulously reworked to become less radical and more versatile. If the look remains familiar, a lot has been changed. The shape is more rounded, the bezel is new, and the faceted lugs and crown guards have been redesigned. And naturally, the use of new movements (for instance, a new chronograph) also has an impact on the design. The unprecedented and robust construction, along with a screw-down crown, ensures that the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres (300 feet). The dials are now textured – with a clous de Paris (hobnail) pattern – with luminescent applied indexes for the time-only and chronograph in contrast to the flat, polished dials of the previous Octo Roma watches.
Another major upgrade, the new Bulgari Octo Roma is now fitted with a user-friendly and practical interchangeable bracelet/strap system. So, you can now change the look of your Octo Roma in seconds with no tool. Last but not least, the Octo Roma is also offered at a lower price point than the Octo Finissimo, making for a (relatively speaking) more affordable option.
As mentioned before, a whole new collection of Octo Roma is launched with models ranging from time-only to complications.
The Octo Roma Automatic
The Octo Roma automatic comes in a versatile 41mm diameter. It is powered by the in-house calibre BVL 191, running at 4 Hz and with 42 hours of autonomy when fully wound. The dial is embossed with a fine clous de Paris pattern in blue, anthracite or white.
Quick facts: 41mm x 9.15mm steel case – 100m water-resistant – black, anthracite or white dial – automatic BVL 191 calibre – polished and satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp – interchangeable strap system – additional rubber bracelet with pin buckle included – EUR 7,900
The Octo Roma Chronograph
Measuring 42mm in diameter, the Octo Roma Chronograph is the first in the collection to be powered by the new BVL 399 calibre (with a Bulgari BVL 191 base calibre and a Dubois-Dépraz module).
Quick facts: 42mm x 12.4mm steel case – 100m water-resistance – black or blue dial – automatic BVL 399 calibre – polished and satin-brushed stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp – interchangeable strap system – additional rubber bracelet with pin buckle included – EUR 9,900
The Four Octo Roma Tourbillon Watches
The Octo Roma is also a perfect platform to accommodate complications, and four tourbillons are presented. The first two, the Octo Roma Striking Papillon Tourbillon and Striking Tourbillon Saphir are technical and modern takes on the Roma presented in 44mm titanium cases. The other two, the Octo Roma Precious Naturalia and the Octo Roma Precious Tourbillon Lumière, are an opportunity to showcase the brand’s jewellery expertise.
Quick facts – Octo Roma Striking Papillon Tourbillon – 44mm x 11.9mm DLC-titanium case – 50m water-resistance – automatic BVL 332 calibre with central tourbillon, butterfly minute display and jumping hours – rubberised alligator strap – EUR 115,000
Quick facts – Octo Roma Striking Tourbillon Saphir – 44mm x 11.65mm DLC-sapphire- titanium case – 50m water-resistance – manual-winding skeletonised BVL 206 calibre with flying tourbillon – rubberised alligator strap – EUR 80,000
Quick facts – Octo Roma Precious Naturalia – 44mm x 11.35mm rose gold case – 50m water-resistance – manual-winding BVL 206 calibre with flying tourbillon and tiger’s eye inserts – alligator strap – EUR 200,000
Quick facts – Octo Roma Precious Tourbillon Lumière – 38mm rose gold case set with 267 round brilliant-cut diamonds (~2,48cts) and bezel set with 48 round brilliant-cut diamonds (~1,58cts), rose gold crown set with cabochon-cut ruby – water-resistant to 30m – manual-winding skeletonised rose gold BVL 208 calibre with tourbillon – alligator strap – EUR 200,000
For more information, please visit www.bulgari.com.
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