Bvlgari Octo @ The Complex Art of Simplicity

The sculptural Octo model focuses firmly on essentials and has established itself in just three years as one of the key brand symbols. Since its launch in 2012, the new Octo de Bulgari has rapidly acquired central status within the collections, following in the wake of the Octo models with retrograde displays launched in 2010. In barely three years, this model has earned a special place among the surrounding watch creations. A formal sophisticated approach and freshly defined aesthetic codes enable Octo to deploy its aesthetic charms across a broad range and to fully assert its potential, as emphasised by the new releases for 2015. Taking the necessary time. When it comes to the quest for innovation, watch firms sometimes seem to be caught up in a race against the clock. Alongside the exercise of its imaginative powers, the Bulgari watch manufacturing company also displays an ability to adopt a serene, carefully paced approach that fosters strength and self-assurance. The Octo watch is endowed with precisely these qualities. Its spectacular architecture and distinctive identity enable it to overturn preconceived ideas, inviting the eye and the mind to experience fresh discoveries, affording new and acknowledged pleasures, while proclaiming its place within the galaxy of haute horlogerie stars. Last year’s presentation of the world’s thinnest tourbillon was a global-scale event that had a considerable impact among connoisseurs of extreme high-end watchmaking. This year, Bvlgari has decided to treat all those wishing to measure time thanks to this beautiful instrument by offering various interpretations driven by super-slim mechanisms. The 110-facetted case of the Octo watch provides a perfect setting for the three Manufacture-made calibres starting with the exceptional BVL 268 Finissimo Tourbillon, a flying tourbillon movement measuring just 1.95 mm to date the world’s thinnest tourbillon movement.

Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, endowed with a 52-hour power reserve, comes in three versions, all with a 40 mm-diameter case. The extremely elegant pink gold variation is fitted with a black alligator strap, while the other more modern-looking one comes in platinum framing a black lacquered dial. The platinum crown features black ceramic inserts, while the bezel is set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds. The mechanical hand-wound Octo Finissimo watch is available in two different interpretations, both endowed with a 55-hour power reserve, recognisable by the small seconds hand appearing on a subdial at 7 o’clock, and also fitted with a black alligator leather strap. The first is in pink gold with a black lacquered dial, while the second is made of platinum set on the bezel with 64 brilliant-cut diamonds and adorned with a black ceramic-inlaid crown. Bvlgari has also chosen to introduce several new variations on the theme of the Octo watch designed to highlight the beauty of its harmonious aesthetic. For while this watch is based on a complex, extremely structured design, and its case calls for expert care in shaping the 110 facets, the final result nonetheless exudes a distinct impression of simplicity.