With a mere total thickness of 3.95 mm, the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic just released at Baselworld is the world's thinnest self-winding watch. Setting the fourth world record under the Octo Finissimo line, the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is simply incredible. The automatic movement equipped with a tourbillon follows the Octo Tourbillon Finissimo in 2014, the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater in 2016 and last year’s Octo Finissimo Automatic. Bvlgari’s mastery of the art of watchmaking was duly acknowledged at last year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève which rewarded both the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Skeleton and the Octo Finissimo Automatic.

About the Watch

Its complex, finely structured 40 mm sandblasted titanium case draws its strength and beauty from its remarkable design. The slimness of the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic is based on an ability to rethink, redesign and remodel volumes in the watch industry. Guarantee a combination of sturdiness and lightness, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic redefines the frontiers of 'Haute Horlogerie'.

The sandblasted titanium finish throughout the case and bracelet make the watch appear as some sort of sci-fi intercommunication device. The bracelet is finished with finesse and is an intricate work of art. The delicate ultra-thin bracelet is secured by a triple blade folding clasp.

The slender case profile just a mere 3.95 mm thick is almost unfathomable. Its monocoque —one piece— construction is based on the principle well mastered by Audemars Piguet and Gerald Genta in 1972 when the Royal Oak was launched with the same type of case construction. The winding crown on the new Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic  features a numbered solid ceramic inlay and a small rectangular pusher on the case band is utilized to .

The Movement

The movement is protected by a solid case back featuring an opening that provides a chance to admire both the tourbillon and the oscillating weight in action. This opening is shaped like the entrance of the Bulgari boutique on Via Condotti in Rome.

The newly developed calibre BVL 288 handles automatic winding via an innovative and attractive peripheral oscillating weight made of white gold and titanium —the contrasting density of these two metals enables the circular weight to oscillate in a particularly regular manner— and positioned on the back of the movement. The movement also incorporates a flying tourbillon equipped with a ball bearing system contributing to the reduced thickness. Measuring just 1.95mm thick and endowed with a 52-hour power reserve when fully wound. The watch is water resistant to 30 meters.

On the Wrist & Pricing

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic wears slightly bigger than its actual size and more like a 42 mm watch. Due to its light construction and slender profile, the watch barely feels like it's on your wrist. Its entirely openworked skeletonized movement displays all of its components providing a real treat for the eyes as you check the time. An incredible looking piece of 'haute horlogerie' without the shocker price tag. The watch is available in a limited edition of only 50 pieces.

Sticker Price $118,000 USD. For more info on Bulgari click here.