Geneva Watch Days: Meet the New Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days from Bulgari!

The Octo Finissimo has, in less than a decade, become an icon of contemporary watchmaking.

Of course, Bulgari has made a habit of breaking world records around this collection, but if we’re being honest with ourselves, that’s not the only reason the Octo has reached icon status. Its architectural and geometrical yet graceful design is a real revolution in watchmaking aesthetics.

Unveiled at Geneva Watch Days, the new Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days continues down a logical path for Bulgari. Gold is front and center with its 18K rose gold case and hour markers, plus Bulgari designed the new calibre BVL 199 SK to ensure it fits the rose gold colorway harmoniously.

Indeed, with its contemporary matte-finished, sand-blasted anthracite bridges, the movement creates a nice contrast with the satin-polished 40mm case. Add its dark brown alligator strap with matching rose gold pin buckle to the mix, and you have an elegant, technical, and versatile timepiece.
 

Of course, the technical specs of a new Octo model being impressive is nothing new. But Bulgari also made sure that this Octo Finissimo is easy to read despite having a skeletonized movement and, essentially, no dial. Gold hour markers, numerals, and hands do much of the heavy lifting and are surprisingly effective at making the watch easily readable at a glance.

Despite the watch being only 5.95mm thick overall, one still gets a real impression of depth when gazing at the skeletonized movement through the sapphire crystal fitted on both the front and the back of the watch. Although, in my opinion, this is best appreciated off the wrist.

As a result, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days reminds the owner how Bulgari has mastered the art of marrying Swiss watchmaking rigor with Italian elegance and finesse.