MoneyINC Logo
25+
Years of
Trust
13,000+
Articles
Written 
10M+
Annual 
Readers
300+
Global
Mentions

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Review

In 2013, the record was set for the thinnest hand wound minute repeater with the presentation of the Emperador Coussin Ultra thin Minute Repeater.With a movement of 4.8 millimeters and a total of 9.4 millimeters cased, it was believed to be one of the greatest achievements in time piece design. That is until the Octo Finessimo Toubillon came along in 2014. Yet another feat in compact perfection has made its debut. The record has just been broken by the Bulgari Octo Finessimo Minute Repeater which has upset the apple cart and nestled itself firmly in this position. Offering the ultimate in wearable luxury comfort, it has gained status world wide by the brand that is known for its innovations in design and overall quality.

Caliber

The BLV caliber 362 is 3.12 millimeters and when cased, the total thickness is 6.85 millimeters for a record breaking ultra thin design. No sacrifices have been made in the achievement of this lofty goal, which in itself is no small feat. The chime produces an auditory dream that shows no departure from the crisp and clear quality that is expected by the brand's master artisans and technicians. The new configuration has been made with precision and attention to details in order to preserve the overall quality while bringing down the overall size of the movement. It includes three hundred and sixty two parts with includes the gongs and two hammers for chiming.The gongs are hand crafted in a circular shape. It operates at twenty one thousand six hundred bph with a forty two hour power reserve.

Case

The materials used for the case of this 40 mm watch are titanium in order to achieve the lightest possible weight, while carefully ensuring excellence in resonating of the soundboard utilized by the chimes. Titanium is a low density metal and it has also been used throughout the watch in the hour makers as well as the small seconds counter which is located on the dial. The effect of amplifying the sound of the chimes has been expertly achieved. The finish of the titanium case features a sand blasted effect that lends the perfect aesthetic along with the crown which is also finished in titanium. Amazingly, the dial is also constructed of titanium which has worked out perfectly for this edition.

Functionality

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater is water resistant for up to fifty meters. This means that technically, it could be worn while swimming or in the shower. We can't imagine why anyone would care to put it to the test, but the specifications indicate that the watch would survive well under these conditions, which is impressive. The watch offers hours, minutes, small seconds and a minute repeater. On the left side of the case, the pusher activator has been placed. This is how the minute repeater is activated.

The watchmaker

In the year 2000, the Daniel Roth and Gerald Genta workshops were acquired in order for the company to increase their technical expertise and advance in the innovations for which they are now world famous. Igari took full advantage of the opportunity and has reached a fairly remarkable goal with the limited edition Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater. Bulgari has been at the drawing board for a number of years and this is not the first masterpiece that they have produced. In pursuit of producing the worlds thinnest wrist watch, they have produced a fair share of minute repeaters and some of the most impressive complications and sonnerie watches. The culmination of time spent improving and enhancing their craft has led them to this moment in time and because of the investment of time, learning, patience and discovery, their accomplishment stands as a testimony of their efforts.

What makes this watch so special?

There are actually several factors which combine so beautifully to make this a highly desired time piece. The movement is hand finished and the gongs are visible on the back side of the movement. This is where the sapphire crystal caseback offers an exhibition style design for the aesthetically pleasing full view of the movement. The very fact that this wristwatch is an ultra thin version that also offers extreme complication is one of the most compelling reasons for its elevated status. This is difficult for any watchmaker to accomplish and it makes the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater among the most rare types in creation. Add the fact that this is a limited edition that will be kept strictly to a production of just fifty pieces and its rarity has just been increased.

This elegant and rare piece features a strap that comes in a vulcanized alligator material in a matte black finish with a folding style buckle crafted of titanium materials which match perfectly with the watch. The engineers have crafted this high quality luxury time piece of titanium for all of the right reasons. Foregoing the use of platinum and gold which tend to deaden the sound of the chimes was a brilliant move that has not spared the value or aesthetics of the Bulgari Octo. The resulting clear, loud and resonating chime is the evidence of this. Overall, the watch is stylish and modern, yet has the essence of traditional appeal in an eye catching wrist watch that is highly functional and attractive.

Pricing

This is the answer that we've all been waiting for since hearing about the release of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater. The final disclosure on the cost of this limited edition release is set at 160,000 Swiss Francs.

Final thoughts

Finally, the glass ceiling has been broken and Bulgari has reached their goal of creating the thinnest minute repeater in the world. Their hard work and dedication has paid off and the world is all the richer for it. It is certain to be a highly sought after time piece for collectors and rare watch enthusiasts, but with the low number which will be produced, acquisition of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo may turn out to be somewhat difficult. The popularity of this newcomer is expected to be immense, and for good reason.

Dana Hanson

Written by Dana Hanson

Dana has extensive professional writing experience including technical and report writing, informational articles, persuasive articles, contrast and comparison, grant applications, and advertisement. She also enjoys creative writing, content writing on nearly any topic (particularly business and lifestyle), because as a lifelong learner, she loves to do research and possess a high skill level in this area. Her academic degrees include AA social Sci/BA English/MEd Adult Ed & Community & Human Resource Development and ABD in PhD studies in Indust & Org Psychology.

Read more posts by Dana Hanson

Related Articles

Stay ahead of the curve with our most recent guides and articles on , freshly curated by our diligent editorial team for your immediate perusal.
As featured on:

Wealth Insight!
Subscribe to our Exclusive Newsletter

Dive into the world of wealth and extravagance with Money Inc! Discover stock tips, businesses, luxury items, and travel experiences curated for the affluent observer.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram