Following both domestic and international guidelines, Bvlgari’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Babin, was determined to have some sort of return to normality when it comes to watch exhibitions. Enter Geneva Watch Days 2020: a new kind of (socially-distanced) normal.
Summer’s approaching its end, and our team decided to close out this season with a quick visit to this new fair. Here are our favourite picks so far!
BVLGARI Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
Another year, another Octo, another record.
When you think Bvlgari, you think Octo Finissimo. And when you think Octo Finissimo, you think of two things: thinness and prestige performance.
At the Geneva Watch Days 2020, it appears that Bvlgari is continuing to build their “variations upon a chronograph theme”: they see a versatility in this complication which other watchmakers simply don’t. Last time, we saw it paired with a GMT function, but this year, it’s the Tourbillon’s turn.
But what’s a tourbillon if it’s not on full view? As well as harmoniously and tastefully combining these two complications, Bvlgari’s designers decided to make the most of the tourbillon aesthetic by skeletonising the dial, without losing an ounce of legibility!
Okay, now: the reason why you’re all reading this… dimensions and specs.
This new Octo Finissimo measures 7.4mm thick.
Yeah, sure, it’s impressive at first read, but think about it: this is a watch which mounts BOTH a tourbillon and a chronograph, with a 52 hour power reserve. That 7.4mm becomes much more impressive now, doesn’t it?
So much so, it set a world record for this category (Tourbillon x Chronograph function together). New Octo, new record.
Naturally, this Finissimo sports a sand-blasted titanium case, with a very legible dial, thanks to the well-proportioned and non-skeletonised chronograph counters, as well as the octagonal minute track, which frames the dial very tastefully.
Here’s something you probably haven’t seen before: a chronograph whose monopusher button is at 2 o’clock, and another pusher at 4, which toggles between winding the watch or setting the time by pulling out the crown. (If that “monopusher” doesn’t sound familiar, you should definitely click here!)
This time, unfortunately, it’s a limited edition (although we can understand why) of only 50 pieces, each priced at €150,000 .
Six Watches, Six World Records! That’s Bvlgari for you.
Moser Streamliner Centre Seconds
The good folks over at Moser kickstarted their change in course with the Streamliner Flyback Chronograph, a rich, complicated timepiece which gave off both futuristic and vintage vibes at the same time, and whose case came with a lovely integrated bracelet.
The bracelet’s geometry is not so much unorthodox as it is “rare”, in that very few watches adopt this style. But then again, this is what Moser does, goes against the grain, and diving deep to give you something new. However, Moser stays true to the “classic” watchmaking when it comes to the dial.
A new kind of green, called “Matrix”, was the colour selected for the newcomer to the Streamliner range. Using this as the base canvas for this time-only piece, once again, Moser hits the nail right on the head when it comes to elegance, character and beauty within simplicity. Certainly less “simple” than the previous Pioneers or Endeavours, but no less beautiful.
Steel case, matching integrated bracelet, totally in house internals, and would you just look at that green dial… less than 19,9000 CHF would be an injustice.
Honorable mention: Bvlgari Aluminium 2020
How could we not talk about the comeback of this model? Every time that I read or learn about a watch that was made in my lifetime, I can’t help but feel thrilled (although a little bit biased)! After 22 years, Bulgari has re vamped their iconic model of the naughties, combining alunminium and rubber once again.
Up until the advent of the Octo Finissimo, if you asked me what I thought when you said “Bvlgari”, I would, without a shadow of a doubt, think of the Aluminium: an icon which, in my opinion, is seeing the same level of a comeback as the Pasha.
It’s not a re-issue though! Some things have changed design-wise, but it is still faithful to the original. It’s a very worthy candidate for “entry level watch” by any measure, thanks to its ETA based movement and pricetag.
Speaking of, there are three different versions of the Aluminium 2020: two time-only versions (white dial or black dial) and a “panda” style chronograph. The base version clocks in at €2,950 , meanwhile the chrono will set you back €4,250 .
Again, very serious candidates for entry level watches, I’m sure that in the coming months you’ll be seeing these aroud a lot!
And you guys? What were you expecting from these Geneva Watch Days?
-Translated by Patrick R.
