A Tale of Two Cities: Roman Jeweler Bulgari Brings the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo to Dubai Watch Week

For Dubai Watch Week 2025, Bulgari has teamed up with celebrated Emirati painter and photographer Mattar Bin Lahej to create a poetic take on the Maison’s iconic Octo Finissimo: the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo.
 

Presented under the patronage of Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, an Emirati princess and a member of the Dubai ruling family, as well as Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, this titanium timepiece is an artistic bridge between modern Italian design and Emirati artistry and tradition.
 

We don’t think it’s going too far to say that the limited-edition Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo may be the most romantic watch at DWW. So, let’s take a look.

Given her role on the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, it should come as no surprise to hear that Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Al Maktoum is also a champion of literature. And the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo tells a story.

Just as the art and architecture of Ancient Rome was exported throughout its empire, Islamic calligraphy has been embraced across many regions and eras, from North Africa to South Asia. And it is still a dynamic art form, with its stylized texts acting as a form of abstract art, even as they illustrate poetry and prose.

As interpreted by artists like Bin Lahej, this calligraphy becomes more than just a typeface or a tradition; it becomes a cultural emissary, of sorts, reaching out to new audiences while keeping its spiritual roots intact.
 

Of course, this is not the first time the brand has collaborated with an artist to present a different perspective on the Octo Finissimo. The gradient dial of the Maison’s collaboration with Lee Ufan, for example, has got to be one of the top five releases of 2025.

Neither is this the first time Bulgari has explored the art of inkwork. For instance, in 2015, Bulgari released the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon by Simon Ma Pièce Unique, which explored traditional  Chinese ink painting. Similarly, 2022’s Octo Finissimo “Sketch” 10th Anniversary Edition was a tribute to Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s, the brand’s design chief, original drawings of the Octo Finissimo’s dial design.

The minimalist dial design of the Octo Finissimo has proven to be an excellent canvas for artists. But the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo goes beyond the dial, exploring every inch of the timepiece, adorning the titanium case, bracelet, and, yes, dial with laser-engraved lettering.
 

The medium is also the message. The paper-thin case is engraved with the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The future will be for those who can imagine, design, and implement it. The future does not wait, but it can be designed and built today.”

The result is a wonderfully nuanced exploration of form and function.

At Dubai Watch Week 2025, the journey is about more than just the watch on the wrist. It is a unique fusion of heritage and contemporary innovation across diverse cultural narratives. Thus, Bulgari is also hosting an immersive booth at the fair dedicated to weaving together the Maison’s heritage and innovation with the rich cultural narratives of the region.
 

The Bulgari booth at DWW will showcase this collaborative piece, highlighting Mattar’s calligraphy. The presentation will also feature a watchmaker’s table, live demonstrations, and seating areas where guests can observe the craftsmanship up close.

According to Bulgari, the 70-piece limited edition Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo reflects Bulgari’s vision of honoring heritage while shaping the future of time.
 

For more details, including pricing information, check out the Bulgari website.