Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 140th Anniversary Sketch Dial

A brand originally established in Rome in 1884 by the skilled Greek silversmith Sotirios Voulgaris (1857-1932), who later opted to Italianize his name to Sotirio Bulgari (a phonetic rendition of his surname), Bulgari is commemorating its 140th anniversary in 2024. To mark this significant milestone, the Manufacture is expanding on the approach initiated with the Octo Finissimo 10th Anniversary Editions in 2022. It introduces two new Octo Finissimo Limited Editions, each featuring illustrated dials that portray the movements as though one were observing the watch from the reverse side, akin to peering through an open case back.This latest version of the Octo Finissimo Automatic watch features a 40 mm octagonal case made of out of stainless-steel or 18k rose gold, boasting a blend of vertically brushed surfaces and polished highlights, it impresses with its sleek profile, measuring a mere 6.40mm in thickness.The timepiece features a sapphire exhibition caseback, offering a clear view of its meticulously hand-decorated mechanical movement adorned with exquisite finishes such as côtes de Genève, anglage, and perlage. "The sapphire caseback also bears distinctive engravings of "EDIZIONE LIMITATA" and "1884 – 2024" as a tribute to Bulgari's 140th anniversary."As per Bvlgari, this timepiece represents a contemporary icon marrying Italian aesthetics with Swiss precision engineering. It encases the world's slimmest automatic movement, measuring a mere 2.23 mm thick.The case is enriched with a fixed bezel sporting a brushed finish, establishing an enticing interplay between circular and octagonal motifs. Enhancing its practicality, it features a knurled screw-down crown with a black ceramic insert, on both models. Water-resistance can reach up to 100 meters (330 feet).Instead of any numerals and indices, time on this watch must be deciphered by design, relying on the central hands, plus the eights edges of the framing octagon shape for a spatial reference. This the revival of the "sketch dial" concept, initially unveiled in 2022 for the collection's 10th anniversary, which served as a homage to its creator, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. Those models released as a  duo of watches, offered in both Automatic and Chronograph models, are currently in high demand, with their sketch as a homage to the intricacies of the dial's design. Now for the Octo Finissimo Automatic 140th Anniversary edition it once more features a dial adorned with hand-drawn illustrations, but unveil the mechanics beneath the dial, versus just the casing blueprints.
Among the sketching is a discreet small seconds sub-dial positioned between the 6 and 9 o'clock spots. Just like the rest of the dial it contains no numerals or indices, nor any framing which may prevent reading time at a glance, but this limited edition is about uniqueness. The central semi-hollow hands further allow for an uninterpreted view of the dial’s sketches. This dress watch doesn't rely on luminescent material, so legibility relies more on contrast, which is better achieved by the dark hand on the gold version, versus the monochromatic color scheme of the gray hands over a mostly light gray dial. But again these watches are limited edition meant to celebrate and differentiate.

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 140th Anniversary Sketch Dial

The “Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 140th Anniversary Sketch Dial” (References below) is powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber BVL 138 with 36 jewels and 21,600 vph. It comes equipped with a platinum micro-rotor. Power reserve can last up to 60 hours, when fully wound.Mounted on the watch is a stainless-steel or 18k rose gold bracelet that mimics the case finishing by mixing a brushed finish with polished center links, while secured to the wrist by a concealed triple folding clasp. These are limited editions of 280 pieces in steel and 70 pieces in gold. For more up to date information visit the official Bulgari website here.

Bulgari, Bvlgari, Octo, Finissimo, Sketch, Anniversary, Luxury Watches