A Closer Look At The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Sketch Watches

Bulgari, renowned for its innovation and elegance in the world of luxury watches, continues to push boundaries with its latest release: the Octo Finissimo Sketch series. Celebrating 140 years of excellence, Bulgari introduces three limited editions of the Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch watches, each featuring a dial that boasts an illustration of the intricate mechanics within. The sketches, drawn by the brand’s master designer,  Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, are the mark of an incredible fusion of art and horology that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and creativity.

With a blend of technical precision and artistic expression,  Buonamassa Stigliani, brings to life the inner workings of the watches, transforming them into miniature works of art. The Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch series is available in steel and rose gold. The sketches reveal the micro-rotor, escapement, bridges, and other intricate details of the movement, creating a mesmerizing visual experience for the wearer. Each edition exudes its own distinct personality.

The 18-karat 5N rose gold rendition unveils in a stunning display of uniformity, from its polished and satin-finished case and bracelet to its captivating dial. This luminous creation subtly incorporates tones of gray on its hands and sketch, heightening its sophistication. The dial, first starting as a blank canvas, provides ample space for the sketch to unfurl limitlessly. It is limited to 70 pieces and retails for 51,000 Euro.

On the other hand, the steel variant, also monochromatic, offers a more contemporary and metropolitan aesthetic. Here, shades of gray reign supreme: off-white for the sketch background, carbon reminiscent of  Buonamassa Stigliani’s pencil strokes, charcoal for the hands, and, naturally, steel for the case and bracelet. The interplay between polished and satin finishes, coupled with the characteristic sunburst-brushed bezel, infuses the piece with a distinct radiance that captures the shifting light at twilight. This steel version is created in an edition of 280 pieces that retail for 17,800 Euro.

Each timepiece measures 40 mm in diameter and 6.4 mm in thickness, powered by the in-house BVL 138 caliber (2.3 mm in height, automatic, boasting a 60-hour power reserve). The sapphire case back bears unique engravings of “Edition Limitata” and “1884 – 2024,” commemorating Bulgari’s 140th anniversary, transforming each watch into not merely a timekeeping instrument but a testament to heritage and craftsmanship.

In addition to the Automatic Sketch series, Bulgari introduces the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch, a masterpiece of horological engineering and artistic design. Limited to just 140 pieces, this stainless steel chronograph GMT watch features a polished steel case housing a peripheral oscillating weight movement. Buonamassa Stigliani’s sketch adorns the dial, seamlessly integrating the chronograph complications and showcasing the exquisite finishing details of the movement.

The 43 mm polished steel case measures 8.75mm in thickness and is powered by the  automatic manufacture movement with a peripheral oscillating weight provides  a 55-hour power reserve. Skillfully blending the iconic Tri-Compax chronograph display (GMT at 3:00, 30-minute counter at 6:00, small seconds at 9:00) with the balance showcased between 4:00 and 5:00, the watch boasts an open caseback that reveals the original BVL 318 caliber with the special markings “EDIZIONE LIMITATA” and Bulgari’s anniversary, “1884 – 2024.” The Chronograph GMT is limited to 140 pieces.

What sets the Octo Finissimo Sketch series apart is not just its aesthetic appeal but also its technical prowess. Despite the intricate illustrations on the dial, these timepieces remain incredibly slim, a testament to Bulgari’s expertise in watchmaking. Powered by in-house calibers with impressive power reserves, they offer precision and reliability synonymous with the Bulgari name.