Since its introduction in 2014, Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo collection has spawned true icons of contemporary watchmaking, combining pioneering research in the art of miniaturization with design of absolute purity. The collection also has the distinction of having won no fewer than nine world records, the latest of which comes now thanks to the thinnest mechanical watch ever made, which is also the thinnest COSC (the Swiss Certified Chronometer Certification) chronometer in existence in the world.
In fact, Bvlgari presents the new Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, with which it pulverizes every record and conquers a new milestone in the world of high mechanical jewelry. With an incredible thickness of 1.70 millimeters (thinner than a coin), Bvlgari’s latest creation surpasses every limit ever before reached by a mechanical watch resistant to shocks and magnetic fields.
The thickness of the case thus becomes even thinner, compared to the previous version of the Octo Finissimo Ultra, gaining a precious tenth of a millimeter and thus surpassing even the Richard Mille UP-01 Ferrari, which boasts a slightly higher thickness: 1.75 mm, in a much larger case.
A technical and mechanical challenge, but above all an aesthetic one, which allowed the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC to be created through the reworking of the octagonal case and the optimization of the sapphire crystal, preserving the perfect balance of forms, the robustness of the instrument, and the performance of the mechanism despite the ultraplat appearance.
Bvlgari’s craftsmanship and daring achieved this through redesigning the shape of the Octo Finissimo Ultra’s bezel, crystal, dials, and barrel in order to gain space without sacrificing the aesthetic perfection that distinguishes the timepiece.
As is the case with the Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept, the back of the Octo Finissimo Ultra serves as the base for the movement. This avoids multiple layers in the watch architecture and makes maximum use of the available surface area, and all functions are arranged on the same horizontal plane.
This timepiece breaks the mold not only aesthetically, but also looks to the future with the adoption of a miniaturized Datamatrix on the case back, which replaces the QR code of the previous model: its function is to offer an integrated digital experience to the watch owner, who will be able to take advantage of data and content related to his or her timepiece and enjoy exclusive Bvlgari experiences.
The watch, as the name implies, is COSC chronometer-certified and as such must pass COSC tests that last 15 days and are performed at different temperatures and positions. This certification makes it the thinnest chronometer ever made.
The packaging of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is also special: the sleek black case has a digital interface that allows you to wind and set the watch time. Simply insert the watch into the case and, with a push of a button, start its setting cycle.
In addition to the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC in titanium with an astonishing thickness of 1.70 mm, Bvlgari also presented a prestigious version in platinum with a thickness of 1.80 mm. Let’s take a look at both models together…
Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC in titanium (Ref.: 104081)
In this version, with an eye-catching monochromatic look in sandblasted titanium, the Octo Finissimo Ultra combines an ultra-thin 40 mm case (1.70 mm thick) with an integrated bracelet only 1.50 mm thick, with a partially skeletonized dial that invites you to immerse yourself in the perfect internal architecture of the mechanism. The sandblasted titanium case, with its typical octagonal shape, houses an ultra-thin, hand-wound, COSC-certified mechanical manufacture movement, caliber BVL180, frequency 28,800 VpH (4 Hz) and 50-hour power reserve.
The dial is skeletonized, with PVD-treated sandblasted titanium hour and minute counters, black PVD-treated hands, black indicator seconds wheel, sandblasted stainless steel winding and setting wheels, and sandblasted stainless steel ratchet wheel with engraved geometric pattern. The bracelet is also made of ultra-thin titanium (1.50 mm thick) with an integrated folding clasp.
This is a limited edition of 20, priced at 600,000 euros.
Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC in platinum (Ref.: 103832)
Bvlgari also presented the platinum version of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC model. With the choice of the most precious material par excellence, platinum, moreover characterized by extreme luster, durability and strength, Bvlgari pushes the bar even higher in the quest for aesthetic perfection combined with the highest mechanical mastery. With an incredible total thickness of 1.80 mm, this model is in sandblasted platinum, with an ultra-thin case and an integrated bracelet only 1.50 mm thick.
The partially skeletonized dial invites immersion in the perfect internal architecture of the mechanism. This model is also COSC-certified, caliber BVL180, frequency 28,800 VpH (4 Hz) and 50-hour power reserve. The 40 mm case (1.80 mm thick) is made of platinum, while the case back is made of tungsten carbide. The model features PVD-treated brass hour and minute counters, rhodium-plated hands, seconds wheel with black indicator, stainless steel winding and setting wheels, sandblasted stainless steel ratchet wheel with engraved geometric pattern.
The bracelet is also in platinum (1.50 mm thick) with an integrated folding clasp. Also an emblem of luxury applied to watchmaking, this model is a limited edition of 20 pieces.
Final Thoughts
With an incredible total thickness of 1.70 mm, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is not simply the thinnest mechanical watch in the world, but represents the desire to push all limits and play with extremes. A bold, revolutionary, aesthetically extreme timepiece.
Once again, Bvlgari raises the bar of research and innovation by presenting the watchmaking market with a model that looks to the future, both in terms of aesthetics and mechanism, always keeping faith with the desire to surprise and innovate.
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