Whether you’re a watch collector, a watch enthusiast or just a design nut, the one-off Bulgari Octo Finissimo Petite Seconde is immediately striking. The only number on its midnight blue dial is the number 15, sitting level with the crown to indicate 1500 hours (3 p.m.). This unique piece in platinum was created for the 15th anniversary of WorldTempus by Guido Terreni, CEO of Bulgari’s watchmaking division. This is the first time that the passionate aesthete has agreed to modify the dial of one of his watches. The event is all the more significant since the Octo collection has become a brand icon in just a few years – a cult watch for a significant anniversary.
Shortlisted for the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève
The “normal” version of the watch, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Petite Seconde, also displays just one figure on its black dial: the 12, at 12 o’clock. This number was removed to preserve the balance of the mirror-polished dial, whose intense blue is punctuated by the bevelled and satin-polished indices with their extremities subtly echoing the octagonal case shape. In addition to the small seconds counter between 7 and 8 o’clock, the model shortlisted for the men’s watch prize of the GPHG 2014 also has a power-reserve indicator on the back of its ultra-slim 5 mm case, which goes up to 70 hours. The decorations on the hand-wound ultra-flat manufacture movement (2.3 mm) – Geneva striping, circular graining and chamfering – are visible through the sapphire caseback.
Generally speaking, platinum watches tend to be rather heavy, because of the density of the material. However, because of the extreme thinness of its case, the Octo Finissimo remains light and exceptionally comfortable to wear.
Unique piece, many gifts
Although this is a hand-customised unique piece, the price is no higher than you would expect to pay for a watch from the current collection in a boutique (CHF 26,000 including VAT). This Bulgari Octo Finissimo Petite Seconde is unique: Bulgari is not producing any other bespoke pieces from this collection, which makes this a unique opportunity. Anyone interested should contact WorldTempus director Brice Lechevalier (brice.lechevalier@worldtempus.com).
Technical specifications
Case: extra-slim, platinum, sapphire back
Diameter: 40 mm
Movement: hand-wound mechanical (Calibre BVL128, 70-hour power reserve), ultra-slim (2.3 mm), hand-finished (chamfering, circular graining, Geneva striping)
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, power reserve on the back
Dial: polished blue lacquer, unique, no number 12, number 15 at 3 o’clock (1500 hours), bevelled indices, open-worked platinum hands
Strap: black alligator with integral pin buckle in platinum.
Unique piece 1/1
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