Bulgari Octo Finissimo: A Closer Look at the World’s Thinnest Watches

Bulgari has been in the forefront of high fashion and luxury watchmaking for many years now. The brand offers a sweeping catalog of sophisticated and avant-garde watches, with one of its most coveted lineups being the Bulgari Octo Finissimo

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a sub-series of high-end sports watches that is housed under the brand’s flagship Bulgari Octo collection. Famous for its razor-thin builds and masterful craftsmanship, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a truly exquisite and versatile watch that is sure to elevate your style. 

Without further ado, let us take a closer look at the incredible features of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo and what it has to offer. We will also go through some of the best models you can find in this watch range. 

All About the Bulgari Octo Finissimo 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is one of the more freshly-minted collections that Bulgari has launched in the market. Officially released in 2014, this stunning collection is made up of beautiful automatic and tourbillon timekeepers. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo’s greatest claim to fame is its world records of being some of the thinnest timepieces ever produced

Best Bulgari Octo Finissimo Models

Next, let us explore some of the best Bulgari Octo Finissimo watches that you can get in the market today.

1. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Ref. 103464

front view of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Ref. 103464 watch

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Ref. 103464 is one of the most classic, timeless models in this collection. Recognised as the slimmest self-winding watch in the market, this timepiece comes in a compact 40mm case, coupled with a uni-link bracelet of the same material. 

One of the best things about the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is the sheer variety it offers. This watch is available in many different materials, include titanium, stainless steel, platinum, ceramic, and even more. You can pick which model best suits your tastes, depending on whether you prioritize having a more lightweight watch, or if you want something that is rarer and more luxurious, or any other considerations. 

The dial of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is also available in a variety of diverse colorways and finishes, which again gives you plenty of choice. For example, if you enjoy blue-dial watches, you can select the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Ref. 103431, with its sunray blue finish. There are also variants with traditional black dials, cool gray dials, and more. 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic’s dial also has a very straightforward and simple layout. It is filled with applique stick indices, large Arabic numeral markers, and long sword hands. A small seconds counter can also be found between the 6 and 9 o’clock markers.

Driving the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is a robust in-house Caliber BVL 138. This is a self-winding movement that measures just 2.23mm in thickness. This is due in large part to its ultra-thin, state-of-the-art platinum micro-motor. This movement also beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3Hz) and has an impressive 60-hour power reserve. 

Depending on the specific model you get, the price of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic ranges from between $10,500 USD to $33,500 USD. 

2. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton Ref. 103126

front view of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton Ref. 103126 watch

If you are an avid fan of skeleton watches, then you should not miss out on the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton Ref. 103126. This is an ultra-flat luxury watch that boasts a gorgeous open-heart design, so you can fully admire its open-base plate and chamfered bridges. 

This watch is presented in a 40mm case made out of black ceramic, coupled with a matching black ceramic strap. Both the case and bracelet are embellished with a smooth satin finish. This cool all-black style gives the watch a very rugged and masculine appeal, which balances well against the sophistication of its skeleton dial.

Ticking inside this watch is the cutting-edge Bulgari Caliber BVL 128SK. This is a manual-winding movement that measures just 2.35mm in thickness and delivers an outstanding 65-hour power supply. This watch also comes with a modest 30-meter depth rating, which allows it to survive any accidental splashes and showers. 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton Ref. 103126 sells at $19,656 USD. 

3. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Ref. 103015

front view of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Ref. 103015 watch
Image by: Bulgari

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Ref. 103015 is equipped with one of the most detailed and fancy complications that Bulgari has ever produced. With an extraordinary height of just 6.85mm, this watch is famous for being the thinnest wristwatch with a minute repeater on the market today. 

The Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater utilizes a 40mm case made of titanium, along with a uni-link bracelet made of the same material. On top of its ultra-slim build, this watch’s lightweight titanium construction also allow it to rest very lightly on the wrist. As such, you will not have any trouble wearing this watch around all day. 

On the left side of the case, you can find the watch’s minute repeater button. Pressing on this will cause the watch to announce the hours, quarters, and minutes at any time of the day. 

The dial of this watch showcases a smooth gray finish, complementing the rest of the watch’s exterior. It has a simple layout, with subtle design elements that exude refined elegance. One distinctive feature of this dial is its unusual hour markers. Instead of using traditional applique markers, the brand has instead cloaked the indices out of the dial. This gives you a glimpse of the movement that runs underneath. This dial also consists of beveled sword hands and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. 

On the underside of this Bulgaro Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater watch, you can find an exhibition-style caseback. Through it, you can admire the watch’s minute repeater movement in all its glory. This watch runs on an in-house Bulgari Caliber BVL 362, which has broken records with its slim 3.12mm height. Today, the Caliber BVL 362 remains the thinnest minute repeater movement ever crafted. 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Ref.103015 is priced at $160,000 USD. 

4. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Ref. 103510

front view of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Ref. 103510 watch
Image by: Bulgari.watchonista.com

Bulgari has also launched a limited-edition model of the Octo Finissimo with the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Ref.103510. Aside from being an exclusive timepiece, this timepiece also holds the world title for the thinnest automatic tourbillon watch in the industry. 

This watch sports a lavish 40mm platinum case and a handsome alligator leather strap in blue. The case’s full, satinized finish gives the watch a bright sheen that catches the light wonderfully. Seated on top of its watch case is a flat fixed bezel made out of platinum. Showing off a sleek brushed finish, this bezel helps guard the watch face from any impacts. 144-327251-221.

The dial of this watch shows off a beautiful and complex tourbillon display. Aside from that, it is also decorated with two chronograph sub-dials in white for the 60-second and 30-minute counters, along with blued steel skeletal hands that add a very cool look to this watch face. 

Inside this watch, you can find a superior Caliber BVL 388. This high-quality automatic movement is held together by 52 jewels and measures just 3.5mm thin. It also delivers a solid 52-hour power supply and a depth rating of 30 meters. 

This Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Ref.103510 costs approximately $227,472 USD. It is one of the most exorbitant models in the Bulgari Octo Finissimo series.

5. Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT

front view of Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT watch

If you are looking for an ultra-thin GMT piece or sports watch, then the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT Ref. 103371 is the perfect choice. Recognized as the thinnest flattest wristwatch with GMT and stopwatch functions, this Bulgari Octo Finissimo piece offers incredible utility. It is a great tool watch for both athletes and frequent travelers. 

This watch uses a 42mm titanium case and a rugged black rubber strap that simply radiates sportiness. Although it is slightly bulkier than the previous Bulgari Octo Finissimo watches mentioned, it is still quite easy to tote around, thanks to its lightweight titanium build. 

The dial of this watch showcases a refined, black sand-blasted finish that emphasizes the serious and robust feel of this watch. It is ornamented with silver applique hour indices, Arabic numeral markers, and thick skeletal sword hands. As a chronograph watch, this dial also contains two sub-dials for the 60-second and 30-minute chronograph counters.  The sub-dial at 3 o’clock, on the other hand, serves as the watch’s 24-hour display. 

This watch runs on an in-house Caliber BVL 318. Measuring 3.3mm thin, this is a self-winding movement that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour (4Hz). It is equipped with a platinum micro-rotor, which provides the movement with more energy every time you move. In addition, it can also last for up to 55 hours when fully wound. 

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chrono GMT Ref. 103371 retails at $16,642 USD. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Bulgari a luxury watch brand? 

Bulgari is one of the most prestigious and oldest luxury watch brands in the market today. Founded in 1884, this Italian watchmaker is coveted for its sublime craftsmanship and exquisite designs. That so many of its watches hold titles for being the thinnest luxury timepieces in the world is a testament to Bulgari’s mastery over the watchmaking craft. 

How can you tell if a Bvlgari watch is real?

First of all, note that Bulgari always makes sure to print its logo, BVLGARI, in all Roman uppercase letters under the watch’s 12 o’clock marker. If you notice that the timepiece you hold is engraved with lowercase letters or with the word “Bulgari”, then it is definitely a counterfeit. 

In general, each Bulgari timepiece is also meticulously crafted, with great attention to detail. As such, if you notice any misaligned text on the watch, or any lopsided components, then these are strong indicators that your watch is a fake. 

Is the Bulgari Octo waterproof? 

Each Bulgari Octo watch is equipped with some degree of water resistance. This ranges from 30 meters, which allows the watch to survive any splashes and showers, to around 100 meters, so you can bring the watch on any swimming or scuba-diving adventures.

Are Bvlgari watches Swiss made? 

Definitely, yes! While Bulgari’s headquarters is in Italy, the brand’s ever-growing watch collections are all made in Switzerland. 

Final Thoughts 

Over the years, Bulgari has delivered some of the most sophisticated, avant-garde watches in the market. One of the brand’s greatest contributions is the Bulgari Octo Finissimo series. Famous for their ultra-thin builds, the diverse Bulgari Octo Finissimo models are true watchmaking masterpieces. If you love slim watches that rest subtly on your wrist, then the Bulgari Octo Finissimo should definitely be on your radar. 

All images are credited to WS unless otherwise stated.

Featured image courtesy of (Time+Tide Watches) on YouTube.

On the hunt for sophisticated white dial watches on the market? Spare some time to read our guide on White Watches For Men: 15 Best Models For That Clean Look.

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