Bvlgari Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Octo Finissimo Timepiece

We examine Bvlgari's process in developing the world's thinnest watches—the Octo, which once measured a mere 1.95mm in thickness.

Watchmakers showcase their qualifications through several means, with honors being one of them. Certain displays exhibit observatory awards signifying a tradition of precision. Others present a collection of patents that embody the essence of invention and ingenuity of their products. A fortunate minority has the opportunity to exemplify both with centuries of history. Bvlgari resolved to establish its own legacy uniquely, unlike any other brand. Today's outcome is the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, the world's thinnest mechanical watch, measuring 1.80 mm in thickness from caseback to sapphire crystal top. A timepiece of that caliber does not materialize instantaneously.

In 2012, Bvlgari established the groundwork for this significant accomplishment with the Octo L’Originale, and completed the initial phase in 2014 with the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Manual. This tourbillon wristwatch had the world's thinnest manual-winding flying tourbillon mechanism, measuring only 1.95 mm in thickness. The brand distinguished itself by striving to surpass its own record and establish new benchmarks that exceeded all previous norms. Bvlgari was undoubtedly engaged in its most invigorating and motivational endeavor—achieving a unique feat and subsequently surpassing it.

Bvlgari's horological journey since 2012 can be encapsulated in few figures: 10 years, eight world records, over 60 international accolades, and eight patents. The Octo Finissimo narrative is far from concluded, having now transcended into a new dimension, as articulated by Bvlgari. Coincidentally, the octagon exhibits essential attributes akin to these numbers, with eight sides and other distinctive visual elements, including the watch's inner flange.

Although the figures are remarkable, both metaphorically and otherwise, they just function as a shorthand representation. The narrative of the Octo Finissimo is imbued with character and fervor – it requires bravery to dedicate oneself to a singular path in horology. After developing the world's thinnest mechanical automatic watch mechanism in 2017 with the Octo Finissimo Automatic, Bvlgari sought to advance it further. Consider it akin to a sprinter endeavoring to reduce minuscule fractions of time from their personal best.

“Is it feasible for us to accomplish this?” As soon as the question was posed three years ago, our teams responded: "How shall we accomplish it?" stated Antoine Pin, Managing Director of the Bvlgari Watch Division, while reflecting on the development process of the Octo Finissimo Ultra. This capacity to confront obstacles is ingrained in the brand's essence. The term 'ultra' signifies a yearning to transcend boundaries and engage with extremes, a concept we greatly appreciate internally!

Creating a timepiece with a thickness of 1.80 mm—comparable to that of paper and notably thinner than all current mechanical calibres—demands more than mere proficiency in miniaturisation processes, as stated by Bvlgari Product Creation Executive Director Fabrizio Bounamassa Stigliani. The Ultra watch is more slender than all the record-setting Bvlgari ultra-thin movements.

“Achieving this level of thinness necessitates not only a reevaluation of your thought processes but also the application of diverse skills, experimentation with various materials, and adaptation to numerous new constraints.” Stigliani stated, "In this regard, the Octo Finissimo Ultra is undeniably the pinnacle of complications within the extensive realm of ultra-miniaturization."

The introduction of the Ultra this year was understandably met with significant enthusiasm, marked by its international presentation at the Pantheon in the Piazza della Rotonda, Rome. Once more, numerical values were pivotal, especially the number "8." The Pantheon serves as an ideal venue for the celebration of the Bvlgari Octo, owing to the arrangement of the Roman landmark's Corinthian columns (eight in the first position, succeeded by two clusters of four at the rear). An exhibition focusing on the octagonal shape, significant to Bvlgari, is currently taking place at the brand's iconic boutique on Via Dei Condotti. The Pantheon's facade functioned as a natural backdrop for an ambitious and unparalleled art piece commissioned by Bvlgari to commemorate the 10th anniversary.

The screening of Temple of Light_Ultra at Pantheon concluded the festivities, encompassing the complete history of Italian architecture and art, presented in digital format and illuminated by light. The artwork was a live execution by Istanbul-based Ouchhh, a creative multidisciplinary hub, curated by Reasoned Art. The thematic connection between the past and the future, as well as between tradition and innovation, is essential in watchmaking, with Bvlgari in the forefront of advancing frontiers.

No celebration is complete without music, which was provided by a live performance from the orchestra of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, adding the essential human aspect. The associations with the number eight persisted. The 8 + 8 Percussion Ensemble of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia — Alta Formazione, directed by Edoardo Giachino, delivered a stunning presentation that showcased remarkable percussion expertise.

Bvlgari Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Octo Finissimo Timepiece Once more, a visual element facilitated by machine learning and artificial intelligence was closely connected to the performance; indeed, it was profoundly intertwined. The conductor's brain waves generated the graphics, utilizing data recorded in real-time from an EEG headset worn by the conductor. The Pantheon resumed its role as the display (as illustrated above).

This remarkable landmark we are establishing today with the Octo Finissimo Ultra represents, for me and all the teams, the realization of a dream. This ensures that Bvlgari will eternally be recognized for having contributed significantly to the annals of Swiss watchmaking. “The Italian heritage of the Maison instills a sense of pride in us,” stated Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari.