Jay (Eire)
12492
Fantastic as always Patrick.
Apologies but I did not see this review until now, when I went to post a picture of my own OF. The review was a top of the feed on the brand forum.
Two comments of yours that stood out for me.
A designers watch indeed. There is a lot of detail in these pieces. I think the watch can easily have a home in MoMa, it’s an iconic design in waiting.
I would note however that the inlay in the crown is not oynx, it ceramic. And also the use of the term cabachon is misplaced, as the inlay is not rounded (and of course it’s not a gemstone either).
Second, your point regarding it being a “second watch”. I guess there are countless great watches that will always be that “second watch” and the OF is no different. It feels like one of those watches collectors must own, and so that perhaps explains some of the “second watch” positioning. But also I think a watch with such a strong design will always be that “second watch” for most folks.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Long Term 5-year Review; A Lot To Like
WatchProSite Moderator Patrick_y reviews the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic – a watch he has worn for approximately five years as his primary watch – replacing his beloved Patek Philippe Nautilus. A New Icon It’s now 2025 and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo ...
Excellent!
Always love reading your reviews, Patrick, and this one was excellent. I adored the design of this watch when it came out, and have yet to see one in person. Maybe one day. Glad you’re enjoying it!
I hope you see one soon!
I'm surprised I don't seem them more often! I've only encountered a few in the wild. Oddly, I've encountered many more Royal Oaks and Nautilii in the wild.
That’s been my experience as well.
Down here in Orange County Royal Oaks and Nautilii occupy a lot of wrists.
Agreed. One for the future history books!
And, when the Nautilus and the Royal Oak came out int he 1970s, they weren't exactly that successful as they weren't universally loved. Not like today where they can sell thousands of them a year.
Terrific review Patrick. I'd like to own a Bulgari someday . . .
Your automatic or Christian's sandwich dial would be my choice. I prefer my watches to have a little thickness to the case. Thanks again for an excellent review. M4
You're most welcome!
If you swing by San Francisco, let me know, you can borrow my automatic in titanium for the day!
Much appreciated!
I always like a great watch that's also a great value. This is a true manufacture movement watch, an awesome design, and a great substitute to the Nautilus. For many people who are craving a sporty and yet elegant thin watch like the Nautilus with a 1970s...
Such a good looking timepiece!
Did you have any problems with yours winding? Mine sometimes stops in the middle of the night, despite having a fairly active day. Such a good looking timepiece, the stainless steel models with brushed and polished surfaces look so good.
Oh, that's great!
Sometimes mine doesn't wind perfectly, even after a fairly active day. I sometimes will wear the watch, wind it, walk 15,000 steps one day, walk 19,000 steps another, and the watch will stop at 2AM or 3AM the next day.
Thank you for the detailed review and explanation for Octo history. A must read for Bulgari fans,, and also for true collectors who don't collect watches by hype.
Coincidentally, I am wearing my Octo Roma now, the younger brother of Octossimo. I watched the videos covering Fabrizio's explanation of new Octo Roma design, and I can fell his passion and honesty. Such a talented designer few can found. May I add one mo...
Good point about the lug width!
End to end being only 45.5 mm does indeed make this Roma quite wearable! Thank you for reading! This watch delivers so much satisfaction - very nearly just as much as a hyped watch - that it's a pity that it's not more often considered since people don't ...
Love the watches love the review more.
Great review with so much information that tells the whole story of this stunning watch and all its variants. Glad you have enjoyed your first 5 years with it and wish you many more years of health and happiness with it. Marc
Thank you for your kind words!
Thank you for reading the ~3000 words in this review! We're supposed to keep the reviews to around 1000 or so words. But I went overboard. I remember in high school essays we had to be concise. And in speech and debate we had to be "word efficient." I thi...
Wow, thanks for the great review!
My interest in the line has been renewed, rekindled.
It's truly an excellent watch!
A watch every watch fan should try on and give consideration to! I'm not stating everyone will like it enough to own one. But the technical aspects are so superlative and the watch is a such a good value, that every watch fan should at least try one on!
Great review Patrick!
Thanks for all the detailed info which covers all aspects of the watch during day to day life.
Wow what a fantastic and thorough review!
That was a great read, and thanks for sharing all the details of the watch! Cheers, Anthony
Great Insights on the Octo Finissimo!
Awesome review! Really enjoyed reading about your long-term experience with the Octo Finissimo. It’s such a unique design, and I love how Bulgari pushed the limits with ultra-thin movements. How’s the accuracy been over the years? And does the bracelet st...
Accuracy has been excellent. Bracelet feels the same as when new.
Accuracy has been excellent. I very briefly touched on that in the article that the Bulgari is much more accurate than a brand new Chopard LUC I've recently started wearing that is even COSC certified. The Bulgari isn't certified. Super accurate watch. Th...
Gret review on this iconic watch!
I can agree with all the points you‘ve made. Just want to add two things. Regarding the loosening screws on the clasp/bracelet: I have this on two of my Octo Finissimo, while it‘s never been an Issue with all of the others. So it does not happen on all wa...
Thank you for sharing your experiences!
Interesting. So not all of your Octo Finissimos has the loose screw at the clasp problem. That's interesting. The one I have it on is my titanium variant. I wonder if it's a problem that doesn't exist on the steel variants? Mine doesn't wind consistently ...
I can‘t say if I had the loose screw on titanium watches or other materials. But if it‘s been on titanium watches, it hasn‘t been on all of them.
So, it could possibly be a titanium specific problem, but I don‘t think it affects all titanium watches. Also, for me the Issue was solved by retightening the screw. So far, it didn‘t happen again to me on these watches.
Fantastic as always Patrick.
Apologies but I did not see this review until now, when I went to post a picture of my own OF. The review was a top of the feed on the brand forum. Two comments of yours that stood out for me. A designers watch indeed. There is a lot of detail in these pi...
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
I concur - a future piece that belongs in a museum! The words "onyx cabochon" is mentioned on Bulgari's website and in their press material. I didn't pull that out of my own pocket. Although I agree that I wouldn't have called it a "cabochon" as it's not ...