Bulgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin 40 mm Review

Bulgari is breaking record after record when it comes to ultra-thin watches.

According to the brand's CEO, Bulgari is a reflection of Rome; because many elements that inspire geometric clock designs are taken from the geometry of historical Roman architecture. But the quest to reach the pinnacle of ultra-thinness reflects more modern trends within Italian culture and haute couture.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin 40 mm Review

Always known as a high-end jewelery brand, Bulgari has broken many watchmaking records since its launch on its quest to create the world's thinnest watches. This is especially evident in the Octo Finissimo collection.

In 2018, a double record-breaking achievement was announced with the thinnest automatic watch ever; Moreover, this watch also featured a flying tourbillon, making it the thinnest tourbillon watch. To date, they have successfully produced the thinnest flying tourbillon, thinnest automatic watch and thinnest minute repeater. Each of these is a great achievement in itself. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Extra Thin 40 mm, which we introduce below, has an incredible case thickness of only 5.15 mm.

Many watch enthusiasts and experts say that this was only possible thanks to the collaboration established in 2010 between Bulgari, Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth.

Gérald Genta's design influence is clearly felt not only in the design of the Octo Finissimo, but also in the same avant-garde octagonal form seen in many of the iconic watches he designed for the industry's best and brightest.

In 2010, Gérald Genta was integrated into the company, which gave the brand many new watchmaking complications such as tourbillons, retrograde displays and grande sonnerie. With this new knowledge, Bulgari was able to bring a new level of watchmaking to the brand. Approximately 95% of watch components are now produced in-house.

The workshop in Le Sentier, Switzerland, which produced this watch, was formerly owned by Gérald Genta and his then sister company, Daniel Roth; until it was acquired by the Bulgari Group on the threshold of the new millennium.

Although Bulgari has been producing watches for most of the 20th century, in the last two decades since this major acquisition, it has taken its brand upmarket to new heights with many watches that would have been unthinkable before 2000. Imaginative designs, adorned with highly creative innovations, have given rise to watches that completely challenge everything that has been done until then.

The contemporary look of the BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Extra Thin collection can equally be attributed to the sandblasted workmanship of its stainless steel, ceramic and titanium cases. According to the managing director of Bulgari watches, this has become the signature look of the line.

Developing these ultra-thin watches was a complication in itself, and of course developing the mechanisms would be one of the biggest challenges, as complex watches usually require a larger number of internal components.

This took a lot of planning and the entire engineering process started years before even a single caliber was introduced. Now, with all the necessary skills at their disposal and all the necessary pieces in place, everything was finally coming to life.

They first started developing this movement as a 4Hz / 28,800 VpH caliber, then reduced the frequency to 3Hz, reaching a power reserve of 60 hours. This power reserve time is too impressive to ignore in an ultra-thin watch like the 40 mm Octo Finissimo Extra Thin. This watch is powered by the in-house Caliber BVL 138, which is only 2.35 mm thick.

One of the main differences between an Italian brand and a Swiss brand is this: in the Italian brand, it is the aesthetics that drive the technique; The Swiss brand generally designs aesthetics around technique.

The two model numbers we are introducing here are: model #: 102711 bgo40c14tlxtauto (View Here) which comes with a black alligator strap and model #: 102713 bgo40c14ttxtauto (View Here) which comes with a titanium bracelet.

Most people never realize how effortless it is to wear these watches. Ultra-thin design and engineering come together with ultra-light materials to create a watch that barely makes its presence felt on your wrist. At the same time, it displays an assertive stance with its contemporary and elegant design. In an era where slim fit is the new trend, these ultra-thin watches are a very welcome accessory.

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