A Haute Look At Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Sketch Series

Bulgari marks its 140th anniversary with a groundbreaking exploration into the art of watchmaking, unveiling the Octo Finissimo Sketch series. This series comprises three Limited Editions that merge the realms of art, technique, and freehand drawing, showcasing the mastery of Trompe L’oeil. The Octo Finissimo, since its debut in 2014, has been an emblem of innovation, setting nine world records, including for the world’s slimmest tourbillon watch and the slimmest automatic chronograph. Today, it ventures further, blending the visual and mechanical in an unprecedented way.

The Octo Finissimo’s latest iteration pays homage to the cultural tradition of sketches or “schizzi,” valued since the Italian Renaissance for their role in preserving the essence of artistic concepts and aiding in the perfection of the final piece. Embracing this tradition, Bulgari introduces a series where the dial reveals the movement’s back, creating a mirror effect that invites admiration from an entirely new angle.

The inaugural Octo Finissimo Automatic Sketch series brings to life the intimate mechanics of the watch, as imagined by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, through vivid and spontaneous sketches. Available in 280 pieces in steel and 70 in rose gold, each variant offers a unique artistic expression. The rose gold edition exudes monochrome splendor, while the steel version presents a modern, urban aesthetic. Each piece, a mere 6.4 mm in slimness, houses the in-house BVL 138 caliber, celebrating Bulgari’s heritage and craftsmanship on its sapphire case back.

Expanding the sketch concept, the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch features a polished steel case and embodies the elegance of GMT chronograph complications within an 8.75 mm slim profile. This edition, limited to 140 pieces, integrates a sketch that harmoniously combines the Tri-Compax chronograph display with the back of the movement, revealing the intricate BVL 318 caliber through the open caseback.

Each piece of the Octo Finissimo Sketch series is more than a timepiece; it’s a testament to Bulgari’s commitment to innovation, art, and craftsmanship. The series not only commemorates Bulgari’s 140th anniversary but also sets a new benchmark in the art of watchmaking, inviting enthusiasts to explore a world where technique and artistry converge seamlessly. Through this series, Bulgari continues to redefine the boundaries of modern watchmaking, blending the precision of mechanics with the fluidity of art in a tribute to the timeless beauty of sketches.