By Jovan Krstevski
Recent models introduced by the Octo product group has brought a new standard for ultra-thin watches. All of us gets excited by the Baselworld, of course, yours truly since it introduces lots of new amazing timepieces for all of us fans. As such, a famed record holder for the event is the popular Bulgari brand, an Italian watchmaker with a new cool watch. This time we are treated to the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon that currently holds the new world record for the thinnest watch at a mere 3.95 mm. This is the 4th time that Bulgari broke its own record winning the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève competition in 2017.
This new flagship watch is based on the Octo Collection comes in a titanium case with sandblasting. At 42 mm in diameter and only 3.95 mm in height, I can not tell whether it could be a perfect dressy watch or a daily driver. I’m used to very thick watches and certainly, I would need to adjust for this dimension front. A sapphire crystal protects the watch face and also the rear providing a nice view of the movement. It is also water resistant down to 30 meters which is not bad for this category. Nonetheless, the caseback is made of titanium bearing a small sapphire crystal on top of the tourbillon.
Moving to the skeleton dial, the amazing movement is fully bared down to the littlest detail. Legibility is not a problem if you are used to skeleton dials but newcomers might need some time to adjust especially when the black hour and minute hands also add confusion but thanks to the Octo bezel, this could be easily overcome by one’s witty time telling skill.
Moreover, powering the watch is a self-winding movement, the Caliber BVL 288 Finissimo. At 1.95 mm profile, it is really really thin. Moreover, the movement beats at 3 Hz and cranks 55 hours of power reserve in full wound. The Flying Tourbillon with ball-bearings also features a peripheral oscillating rotor that further reduces thickness without affecting functionality or performance.
Finally, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon wears on an Octo-style bracelet and is secured by a Bulgari signed folding clasp. It is limited to 50 pieces and priced at 125.000 EUR. For more info, visit Bulgari online.
