From the moment I became the proud owner of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Sandblasted Steel, I had only one idea in mind: to spend a few days with it in Rome. Simply because Bulgari is a brand founded in Rome and the influence of the Eternal City can be felt in the style of the watch. So, what better way to spend a few days in Rome than to come back in the city that inspired it?


However, it would be very simplistic to consider the Octo Finissimo as just a watchmaking prowess. It is above all a stylistic success. To tell the truth, that's what I like the most about this collection. The very thin height of the movements is above all a response to this design challenge: technique has been placed at the service of aesthetics. And whatever the model, whatever the complications, every Octo Finissimo follows the same logic. Even the most complicated models, such as the latest Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton, look as slim and slender as a simple watch. But beware: it is not a discreet thinness to make the watch disappear under the shirt sleeve. Octo Finissimo watches have character and a strong presence on the wrist.


This presence is above all due to the shape of their cases, which are very geometric and much more complex than they seem to be. Too often thinness leads to simplification. This is not the case here. The mix of shapes, the insertion of the round bezel in the octagonal case, the work on the lugs, the profiled angles, the aesthetic integration of the control pieces such as the crown or pushers, everything contributes to this definition of personality. And how can we not mention the bracelet? I consider it to be one of the most successful integrated bracelets on the market. It aesthetically extends the case without any feeling of split and its width gives it a strong visual impact.



There was also the skeleton dial version to consider. In the end, my choice was the Octo Finissimo Automatic Sandblasted Steel, and it was almost like a no-brainer. I love the aesthetics of this watch. It is the most luminous, the sandblasted steel is magnificent and above all there is a perfect harmony between the dial, the case and the bracelet. The watch appears stylish, contemporary, original without being exuberant. The monochromatic atmosphere gives it moreover a lot of elegance. I took it with the steel bracelet (for me the metal bracelet is essential to go to the end of the concept) and I don't regret my choice at all. As for the choice of the full dial, it also seemed logical to me for reasons of readability and aesthetic integration. And the skeleton version does not exist in sandblasted steel.



And then there are all those subjective reasons that I mentioned earlier. The Octo Finissimo Automatic Sandblasted Steel is an undeniably stylish watch with character, yet elegant and refined. There is a kind of controlled originality that prevents it from falling into exuberance. Moreover the rigor of its construction (in some aspects, it can even appear austere because of its monochrome rendering) and the play with forms reminds me of the architectural approach of Ancient Rome. The last element which is for me fundamental and specific to this version is the light. The light color of the sandblasted steel becomes luminous under the intense Roman sun. The watch then becomes summery, or at least chic and casual, in harmony with the dolce vita .



It is important to note the following details. First of all the diameter is 40mm but due to the shape of the case and the width of the bracelet, the perceived size is more important. It requires a wrist large enough so that it does not appear disproportionate. The advantage of this size is that it accentuates the slender shape of the case and makes it even thinner than it is. Then the dial is very readable and if it appears very sober, it takes advantage of the off-center second which gives it the necessary offset touch. I think the watch would have been too strict with a small seconds at 6 o'clock (which was not possible because of the location of the regulating organ).



It may be too early to consider the Octo Finissimo Automatic as an iconic watch. Customers will be the ones who will judge by how long it lasts. But as the owner of the sandblasted steel model, I feel that it has all the assets to become one. It combines a certain aesthetic success with a solid watchmaking content. It provides beautiful sensations even... under skies that are less clement than those of Rome. In any case, Bulgari has succeeded in defining the stylistic elements that make the Octo Finissimo recognizable at first glance while developing a technically ambitious family of movements. Its watchmaking credibility has been strengthened as a result. It's remarkable to have achieved such a result in such a short time. The challenge now for Bulgari will be to capitalize on these fundamentals by developing and renewing the collection without distorting it. It is also this durability and constancy that ultimately gives a beautiful watch the status of an icon.

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Finissimo Automatic Sandblasted Steel is available at a price of 13,800 euros. Note that the satin-finish steel versions (blue dial, black dial) are sold at a price of 12,100 euros.



Fr.Xavier