Nine-time world record breaker in extra-plat mechanical watchmaking, Bulgari’s strengths in modern horology go well past its pursuit of thinness. As a true vertically integrated manufacture, Bulgari has created its own world in which it can craft its trademark cases, bracelets, dials, and movements in-house and entirely to its own requirements. This has given the brand’s Product Creation Executive Director, Fabrizio Buonamassa, and his many collaborations with world-class designers, architects, and artists, the freedom to reach Bulgari’s full potential across its Octo Finissimo, Octo Roma, Bulgari Bulgari, and Aluminium watch collections. Today, we direct the spotlight on five extraordinary examples that will make the perfect — and everlasting — gift.

Octo Roma Automatic Watch

Round? Angular? Octagonal? A match made in heaven for the wearer who is equally mysterious and complex; the Octo Roma is a creatively thoughtful, fresh take on the Bulgari icon that is the Octo. A perfectly round bezel sits atop an octagonal base that extends outward onto the middle case as well as inward into dial. the long, easy-to-read indices and minute track trace the sharp and straight lines of this inner ring, in a tireless tug of war between the infinite curve of the bezel and the relentless angularity of the octagon. A clous de Paris dial in blue adds a dramatic touch, while a complete Super-LumiNova display takes care of legibility day in and out. A screw-down crown and 100m water resistance ensure that the BVL 191 manufacture caliber stays safe on every adventure, while a polished and brushed bracelet in unique Bulgari style completes every occasion. The Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic (reference Bulgari 103739) is priced at $7,300 USD.

Octo Finissimo Automatic Watch

Staying with the blue dial theme and the contrast between round and angular, this modern classic from Bulgari wears both with impeccable style. Destined to have ever-lasting appeal, this elegant blue on the Octo Finissimo Automatic is complemented by a large variety of other dial colors, as well as a frequent recurrence of special and limited editions. This particular dial is in metallic blue with a gentle sunburst effect radiating from its very center, while a set of rhodium-treated, applied indices stand in bright contrast to assist legibility. The characteristic 12 and 6 o’clock markers meet an offset subsidiary seconds display, driven over an impressively long, 60-hour power reserve by the incredibly thin BVL 138 in-house caliber. Revealed by a see-through caseback, the 2.23mm thick BVL 138 packs a self-winding system next to the seconds display and extensive power reserve. The result? The case, even with its reassuring 100m water resistance rating, remains just 6.40mm thick — an unmatched combination of performance and design. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic watch (reference Bulgari 103431) is priced at $13,500 USD.

Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT Watch

Over the last decade, Bulgari’s vertically integrated watch manufacture has achieved unrivaled mastery of thinness in mechanical watchmaking, and, in turn, this unique know-how has allowed it to reach far beyond the scope of time-only movements. The Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT may only measure just 6.90mm thick, yet it encapsulates a set of highly useful features: a chronograph, a GMT, and a self-winding system. No other watch can offer these in a slimmer and thus more elegant or comfortable presentation. The use of lightweight titanium for the case and bracelet of this particular Octo Finissimo take its wearing comfort and indeed wearing experience to the ultimate level. The monochromatic look of the dial creates an aesthetic that will forever be in style — as befits a Bulgari creation. The in-house BVL 318 caliber measures just 3.30mm thick, yet it matches a modern 4Hz operating frequence with its 55-hour power reserve — again, a testament to the brand’s absolute mastery of thinness in horology. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT watch (reference Bulgari 103068) is priced at $19,400 USD.

Aluminium GMT Watch

The Bulgari Aluminium has been in-style and on-brand since its 1998 introduction — a ’90s icon that rose above its defining era and become an inseparable link within the Italian-Swiss watchmaker’s DNA. Its look as well as its construction was as unique then as it is today: a featherweight aluminum middle case is combined with equally light titanium for the caseback and crown, and rugged, yet supple rubber for the bezel and strap. Nothing compares to the feel of the Aluminium, as its smooth rubber strap swivels on the metallic hinges to wrap comfortably around the wrist. The double-signed bezel guards a white dial with a characteristic black and red 24-hour dial matched to a red triangle-tipped hand — these are for the GMT function that will make the frequent traveler’s life on the road that much easier. With a 100-meter water resistance rating and go-anywhere rubber-clad exterior, the Bulgari Aluminium GMT and its B192 caliber is ready to take on the world — just like its owner. The Bulgari Aluminium GMT watch (reference Bulgari 103963) is priced at priced at $3,700 USD.

Bulgari Bulgari Watch

Last, a reinterpretation of a Bulgari icon that spans not decades but millennia: inspired by the shape and inscriptions of ancient Roman coins, Bulgari reached for its Italian roots to create the Bulgari Bulgari watch. Today, it is as timeless as ever, but now it is powered by the brand’s in-house BVL 191 caliber — a self-winding movement that is just 3.80mm thick, revealed by a see-through caseback. The case, here in solid 18k yellow gold, takes on the purest shape: it measures 38mm wide, with flat, small, yet powerful-looking lugs securing a decidedly wide alligator leather strap in black. The black opaline dial, with its 12 and 6 o’clock hour markers and applied batons elsewhere is another brand staple — it takes no signature to make this positively Bulgari. All-Bulgari inside and out, the Bulgari Bulgari watch may just be the perfect gift for the man looking for a timeless, powerful, and elegant dress watch — with a twist. The Bulgari Bulgari watch in solid 18k gold (reference Bulgari 103967) is priced at priced at $13,200 USD.

From world-beating ultra-thin horological creations to eternal icons, Bulgari is here to mark this festive season. It is here that cutting-edge engineering meets a unique wearing experience, and where inimitable Italian style is combined with the best of Swiss watchmaking excellence. You can learn more and browse Bulgari watches for her at the brand’s website.

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