The new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon ref. 104171 exemplifies Bvlgari's distinctive approach to haute horlogerie, harmoniously blending Roman heritage with technical innovation. This exceptional timepiece showcases the record-setting BVL 268 caliber—the groundbreaking movement that launched the acclaimed Octo Finissimo collection. Housed in a satin-brushed finished 18K yellow gold case measuring 40 mm and just 4.85mm in thickness, the watch features a unique Verde Alpi green marble dial with natural veining that ensures no two pieces are identical. Yellow gold-plated hands and indexes provide optimal legibility against the striking marble background, while the matching green alligator strap completes its refined aesthetic.
Marble dials represent one of the most distinctive and luxurious expressions in high-end watchmaking. These natural stone dials transform timepieces into miniature works of art, each with a unique character impossible to replicate. What makes marble dials extraordinary is their inherent uniqueness. The geological processes that form marble over millions of years create distinctive veining patterns, color variations, and mineral inclusions that ensure no two dials are ever identical. This natural exclusivity adds significant value to marble-dialed watches, as each becomes a truly one-of-a-kind creation.
Common marble varieties used in watchmaking include:
Verde Alpi: A striking green marble with dramatic white veining.
Carrara: Classic white marble with subtle gray veining.
Grand Antique: Dramatic black marble with bold white streaks.
Portoro: Black marble with distinctive gold veining.
Rosa Aurora: Pink-toned marble with warm hues.
Creating marble dials presents significant technical challenges for watchmakers:
Thinness: Marble must be cut extremely thin—often less than 1mm— to function as a watch dial without adding excessive thickness to the timepiece.
Fragility: Marble's natural brittleness makes it prone to cracking during machining, requiring specialized cutting techniques developed specifically for watchmaking.
Weight considerations: As a natural stone, marble is heavier than traditional dial materials, requiring adjustments to the watch's overall design and balance.
Water sensitivity: Marble's porous nature necessitates careful sealing and treatment to prevent damage from moisture or oils.
In today's luxury watch market, marble dials appeal to collectors seeking distinctive alternatives to traditional dial materials. They offer a perfect intersection of natural artistry and human craftsmanship—embodying both geological history measured in millions of years and horological precision measured in fractions of seconds.
Additional features include a polished 18K yellow gold crown with black ceramic insert, transparent case back, and water resistance to 30 meters. The watch perfectly embodies Bvlgari's philosophy of merging technical virtuosity with bold Italian design sensibility. The flying tourbillon takes center stage at 6 o’clock.
The watch is delivered on a green alligator strap with an 18K yellow gold pin buckle and is available in a limited edition of 30 pieces.
The Movement
At its heart beats the ultra-thin in-house Bvlgari BVL 268 calibre manual wound movement. This mechanical marvel measures only 1.95 mm thick and features a flying tourbillon. This 11-jewel movement provides a 52-hour power reserve while beating at a frequency of 21,600 vph—3Hz. This masterpiece represents the perfect balance between traditional watchmaking expertise and contemporary ultra-thin design.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Marble Tourbillon wears exceptionally well and wears slightly bigger than its actual size because of its square shape. Wearing a watch with a marble dial creates a distinctive presence on the wrist that differs significantly from conventional timepieces. Unlike the predictable patterns of metal, enamel, or lacquer dials, marble's natural veining creates constant visual discovery. As light plays across the polished stone surface throughout the day, different veins and patterns emerge, almost as if the watch is subtly changing its appearance with each movement of your wrist.
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