The new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is a very special watch because it is the new world record holder in three watchmaking categories. It is now the world’s thinnest automatic tourbillon, the world’s thinnest tourbillon, and the world’s thinnest automatic watch. It clearly signals Bulgari’s intention to be a force in the category of ultra-thin watchmaking. Watch out, Piaget.
Specifications
Brand: Bulgari
Model: Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic
Dimensions: 42mm
Case Material: Sandblasted titanium
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire
Movement: In-house manufacture Caliber BVL 288 with flying tourbillon
Frequency: 3Hz
Power Reserve: 52 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Sandblasted titanium bracelet
Price & Availability: $118,000, Limited to 50 pieces
Analysis
Not many watch lovers appreciate the amount of complexity that goes into an ultra-thin watch. It is more than just making parts smaller. Apart from having to miniaturize components further, great care must also be taken to ensure that the watch runs reliably. After all, what good is a watch that breaks records if it can’t be depended on to tell the time? This is not easy at all when parts are manufactured to be as compact as possible. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic has a 42mm case made out of titanium and has a sandblasted finish. The entire watch measures just 3.95mm thick, which is pretty incredible. To give you an idea of what an achievement this is, consider the various past record holders that it beat:
World’s thinnest automatic: Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Automatic 910P – 4.3mm
World’s thinnest automatic tourbillon: Audemars Piguet Reference 25643BA – 4.8mm
World’s thinnest tourbillon: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon – 5mm
The movement inside the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is the new Caliber BVL 288, which is based on the BVL 268 from the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon. The Caliber BVL 288 is just 1.95mm. This is achieved with a number of features, including a peripheral rotor and a flying tourbillon supported by a ball-bearing. The entire dial is skeletonized, and while there aren’t sweeping bridges to look at here, the owner is instead treated to a smorgasbord of gears, and of course the flying tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Summary
It goes without saying then that the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is an important watch and it will take something very special to beat it in terms of thickness. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic will be limited to 50 pieces, and as you would expect, the price of three world titles is quite high. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is priced at $118,000. bulgari.com