Black, Bold And Gold: Bulgari’s Geneva Watch Days Novelties

The Octo Finissimo is not only the face of Bulgari’s record-breaking, ultra-thin mechanisms, but the architecture of the eight-sided case has also become emblematic. This is why the Automatic Sejima —a limited edition collaboration with Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima — is so exciting.

Sejima transforms the Octo Finissimo by introducing a playful dot pattern that has been metallized onto the sapphire crystal. The monochromatic 40mm case stays true to the Octo S Series signature look but a highly polished case and bracelet and a mirror dial provide a sense of movement and lightheartedness.
 

Speaking of movement and light, turn the timepiece over and you’ll see the ultra-thin automatic calibre BVL138 wound by a micro-rotor in action. Only 36.60mm in diameter, and 2.23mm in height, this micro machine still beats at 3Hz and boasts 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The exhibition case back features Sejima’s signature and an engraved limited-edition number.
 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Sejima (reference 103710) is limited to 360 pieces and comes delivered in a shiny steel press box that recalls the dial’s mirror finish. It is priced at $14,000.

Bulgari has been celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Octo all year with many limited edition interpretations of the now iconic collection. In the case of the Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT in pink gold and the Octo Finissimo Automatic in pink or yellow gold, the material is the message.

Like the Automatic Sejima, the emphasis is on slimness and shine.
 

The gold touch is quite transformative: the precious metal warms up the Octo Finissimo’s angular silhouette while the satin-brushed case offers a dramatic play of light. The case is then contrasted against a subtle brown-lacquered dial. These ultra-thin timepieces have been fitted with a brown alligator leather strap secured by a folding clasp.
 

The Chronograph GMT is controlled by pushers on either side of the case and is driven by the BVL Calibre 318, an integrated automatic manufacture movement that still holds the record for the slimmest mechanical chronograph ever made.
 

The brand continues to back blacks with a new Bulgari Bulgari Aluminium watch. Earlier this year, the maison revived the collection with two timepieces tied together by the theme of transportation. The red and black Ducati version is also inspired by the colors of the Ducati racing bikes, as well as by Amerigo Vespucci, with a black, white and yellow gold color story (and because its theme is travel and exploration, it has a GMT function). These sporty limited editions come with an ultra-light aluminum case, a titanium case back with DLC coating, and a segmented rubber and aluminum strap.
 

For Geneva Watch Days, Bulgari introduced a third piece to the family — a collaboration with the Japanese artist Sorayama. The defining characteristics of this racy watch are the outsized, but subtle, number 2 (the artist’s lucky number) and the silvered perlage dial that recalls the streamlined design of planes and race cars from the 1930s and 1940s. It contrasts nicely against the black rubberized bezel. It is fuelled by a high-beat, ETA 2892 or Sellita 300-1 self-winding movement.
 

The Bulgari Aluminium Sorayama is limited to 1,000 pieces and is priced at $3,300.

You can learn more about all the Bulgari novelties at the brand’s website.

(Photography by Pierre Vogel)