The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
With ultra-svelte proportions, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic features an automatic openworked tourbillon monopusher chronograph movement, housed within the collection’s signature multi-faceted case.
The Bulgari watchmaking division have been raising the horological bar in leaps and bounds by skinnying the models in their Octo Finissimo collection, millimetre by millimetre, ever since the first piece was released some six years ago. With its visually stunning avant-garde character and record-breaking statistics the collection has quite naturally been a head-line grabber for the watchmaking division at Bulgari, who have become adept at proclaiming their prowess through flattening complex micro-mechanics, paired with impossibly handsome aesthetics. This latest piece, adds even more plumage to Bulgari’s already weighty horological cap.
In order to slip in an automatic winding system, a tourbillon and a chronograph function into the BVL 388 calibre which powers this new model, Bulgari built upon the achievements previously showcased with their Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic model and added more technical wizardry into the mix.
Instead of layering the various components and functions, the mechanisms are laid, where possible on the same plane as the movement, spread thinly rather than on top of each other.
Thus the tourbillon (non-flying) is driven from its outer cage, the automatic winding is enabled via a peripheral rotor and the chronograph mechanism is laid out laterally.
When operated via the pusher at 2 o’clock, the column wheel for the chronograph rotates clockwise and its lever (which nests right up against the tourbillon), engages the column wheel with an oscillating pinion. Upon resetting, a hammer slide mechanism is activated thus resetting to zero. For those who err towards chronographs, I can imagine that the compelling sapphire caseback view of this highly unusual mechanical timer will be mesmerising. For others not inspired to bring a loupe, it may well resemble Haute Horlogerie Meccano. The calibre itself is 3.50mm thick, beats at 21,600vph and is equipped with a power reserve of 52 hours.
From the front, the piece exhibits an openworked dial framed by a chapter ring which conforms to the angles of the case profile, and has defined increments which resemble those of a geometric ruler. Perfect equipoise is achieved with the placement of the barrel at 12’oclock, the tourbillon at 6 o’clock and the twin registers on either side. This flat, nigh-on faultless styling of the façade and the multi-faceted 42mm case is part of what makes this collection special and for enthusiasts of technically challenging micro-mechanics the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic will not disappoint.
The piece comes presented on a feather-light, silky titanium bracelet and will be a limited release of just 50 pieces.
Fact File: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic
MANUFACTURER: Bulgari
LIMITED EDITION: 50 pieces
CASE: Grade 5 Titanium, sand-blasted finishing.
SIZE: ø 42mm
THICKNESS: ø 7.40 mm
DIAL: Matte Grey, skeletonised
MOVEMENT: Calibre BVL 388 automatic ultra-thin movement; monopusher chronograph, tourbillon; peripheral rotor 21,600vph;
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, chronograph, one-minute tourbillon
POWER RESERVE: 52 hours
BRACELET/STRAP: Titanium, sand-blasted finish
BUCKLE: Folding buckle
WATERPROOF RATING: 30m
PRICE: EUR 155,000
