We have already talked here about two of the ten new models presented by Bulgari at the Geneva Watch Days 2022, let’s now analyze a further reinterpretation of their most popular model, the Octo Finissimo Skeleton Eight Days.
Within the wide current selection, there is already a skeletonized version. However, the Roman Maison has decided to keep the same track as for the other models presented, introducing a new interpretetion of the skeleton model in rose gold and leather strap (Just like Bulgari did with the Chrono GMT).
The new Octo Finissimo Skeleton Eight Days
In addition to the change in the material of the case, the emphasis is no longer on extreme thinness, which is still kept to a minimum (5.95 mm). The show is stolen by the power reserve extended to eight days, and by the visible bridges of the skeletonized dial.
The numerous levels of the dial in fact, change color according to the position in which they are located and the function they have. It really looks like watching a city from above the sky.
Starting from the top we find the rose gold indexes that recall the color of the case, applied on a chocolate-colored frame, which shares the same shade as the alligator leather strap. Then, we find the bridges covered in anthracite pvd. Below we have the imposing barrel for the power reserve and the steel-colored gears.
The whole is then studded with deep purple rubies, which blend well with the general color palette, and contribute to making the dial alive, thanks to their bright color.
The dial is then finished by the hands, again in pink gold to indicate hours, minutes and seconds, and by the power reserve indicator, which is a rotating disc in the same gold tone as the other elements.
Another interesting detail is the font used to indicate “eight days” just below bulgari’s logo. It seems to come from another era, echoing the creative language of the 1950s. Printed at 3 o’clock on the anthracite-colored sandblasted bridge, we find once again the same shades of gold of the overall design, completing in a divine way a dial that is already fascinating in its sculptural dynamism.
The caliber
This beautiful watch is animated by the new manual-winding BVL 199 SK in-house caliber which, while offering a power reserve of 8 days (192 hours) at 21,600 vibrations per hour, maintains a thickness of only 2.50 mm, only 0.27 mm more than the original automatic caliber.
Like the automatic time-only version, also in this case the case back is made of sapphire, thus allowing you to admire the wonderful skeletonization of the new caliber from every angle.
My take
Of all the versions of the Octo presented at this year’s Geneva Watch Days, this is the one that struck me the most.
The harmonious contrast between the gray tones of the dial and the bright rose gold of the satin case, combined with the beautiful architecture of the skeletonized bridges is elegant but with an industrial character at the same time.
This latest dualism well represents the philosophy of the brand, which combines the elegance and charm of Italian design with Swiss watchmaking mastery.
Making an attractive skeleton is a rather complicated challenge on its own. No errors of any kind are allowed as it cannot hide any imperfections from sight.
And if we think about designing a time-only watch of such harmony, it is an even more difficult undertaking. In fact, having to work with few elements, each of them must be perfect not only in its uniqueness but above all as a whole. Once again the creative director of the maison, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, has done a great job giving birth to this beautiful almost sculptural work.
Price and availability
Fortunately, this model (reference 103667) is not a limited edition and will immediately enter the collection on a permanent basis with a price of EUR 38,500.00 (including taxes).
For more information and insights about this watch and the world of Bulgari, I invite you to visit their official website.
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