At the start of 2019 Bulgari reminds us that there is more to the Octo collection than the ultra-thin and ultra-complicated talking pieces. For the latest models in the Octo collection it’s back to black with two new DLC-treated stainless steel watches with rose-gold accents.
Like the Octo L'Originale titanium models launched last year in the same line, the latest “Solotempo” (time only) and chronograph versions bridge the gap between the all-black model that had just gold hour numerals, markers, hands and crown and the same models (as Solotempo or chronograph) with an 18-carat rose-gold bezel. They offer a discreet touch of gold on the numerals, hour markers and hands (plus the counters on the chronograph) as well as on the octagonal outline underneath the bezel. In all other respects they have an all-black theme with black DLC-coated steel case, black dial and black rubber strap. The Solotempo model is powered by Bulgari’s in-house calibre BVL 191 – a self-winding mechanical movement with 42 hours of power reserve, while the chronograph is driven by the BVL 328 “Velocissimo” with 50 hours of power reserve. The chronograph adds just 0.50mm to the case diameter, keeping the distinctive Octo design almost identical across the range.
Bulgari has also enhanced its Octo Roma collection, with the more rounded case, along the same lines. After being launched with blue, brown and slate-grey dials this time last year, the Octo Roma now also gets a classic black dial, which is paired with a black alligator leather strap. Like the latest Octo L’Originale models, the Octo Roma is also presented in stainless steel with the grey dial and gold accents for the numerals, hour markers, hands, octagonal case middle and crown, paired with a stainless-steel bracelet. Both are powered by the BVL 191 Solotempo calibre.
After the resounding success of the audacious Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater in carbon fibre, it’s hardly surprising to see Bulgari come out with the world’s thinnest automatic tourbillon calibre in the same case. The BVL 288 ultra-thin flying tourbillon calibre is just 1.95mm in thickness but nevertheless guarantees 52 hours of power reserve. In this model it is housed inside a 42mm case in carbon CTP with a transparent case back and, like the minute repeater model, has a skeletonised dial with black finishing and a wonderful matching carbon fibre bracelet. It is available as a limited edition of just 50 watches.
The ultimate touch of luxury in Bulgari’s spring 2019 vintage is the unique-piece Octo Grande Sonnerie in 18-carat rose gold. Around 100 grammes of gold are used for the case and folding clasp on this piece, which is fitted with Bulgari’s self-winding BVL 703 calibre. This prestigious tourbillon movement offers a grande sonnerie and petite sonnerie with a Westminster chime on four gongs. Few watchmakers are capable of producing such movements, and even fewer offer them with a pushbutton (rather than a slider) that guarantees 30-metre water resistance. The automatic winding function for the time and striking mechanisms means that, as long as the watch is being worn, the grande sonnerie could be activated 35,040 times per year, with the hammers striking the gongs 433,580 times.
Read this article for more information on Bulgari’s Grande Sonnerie model.
