The new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon transcends mere record-setting—it stands as a bold horological manifesto. By seamlessly integrating a skeleton tourbillon within a watch measuring a mere 1.85 mm in total thickness, this tourbillon occupies a position of profound significance in Bvlgari's watchmaking journey with 240 parts and 6 patents.
It was the groundbreaking Octo Finissimo Tourbillon that initiated the Maison's ambitious quest for extreme thinness in 2014, catalyzing a remarkable decade-long pursuit that has culminated in ten world records and garnered over 60 international accolades. Among these distinctions stands the prestigious Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix "Aiguille d'Or"—widely regarded as the industry's highest honor. The Octo Finissimo collection has established itself as the most decorated timepiece collection of the 21st century thus far, achieving unparalleled recognition in contemporary horology.
Since its ingenious conception in the late 18th century, the tourbillon has represented the zenith of watchmaking precision and technical achievement. Beyond its mechanical function, the tourbillon offers mesmerizing visual appeal—its perpetual rotation rhythmically mimicking a beating heart and imbuing each timepiece with a distinctive sense of animation and soul. This profound connection explains why Bvlgari deliberately chose the tourbillon as the cornerstone for launching its ultra-thin revolution. The 2014 Octo Finissimo Tourbillon's manual wound movement achieved a remarkable thinness of just 1.95 mm, establishing it as the world's thinnest flying tourbillon of its era and setting the foundation for a new chapter in horological miniaturization.
Now Bvlgari sets another world record with the new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon ref. 104313. This 40 mm watch—only 1.85 mm thick—features a bezel, case middle, and lugs crafted from microbead-frosted titanium, while the main plate is constructed from tungsten carbide and only 1.5 mm thick.
The two planar 'crowns'—each protruding subtly from the case at 8 o'clock—for winding—, and 3 o'clock—for time-setting—are fashioned from circular-grained stainless steel. Similarly, the ratchet, adorned with engraved geometric decorations, features a circular-grained steel finish. For optimal legibility, the hour dial incorporates rhodium-plated hour and minute hands set against a sand-blasted brass surface with an anthracite DLC coating—a departure from its predecessors, the Octo Finissimo Ultra and Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which featured regulator-style displays with separate hour and minute dials.
Bvlgari's ambitious journey into ultra-thin watchmaking began in 2014 with the introduction of the hand-wound Octo Tourbillon. This groundbreaking timepiece marked the beginning of an extraordinary series of horological achievements that would redefine the boundaries of mechanical miniaturization. In the years that followed, the Maison produced a succession of record-shattering innovations across multiple categories—including the world's thinnest minute repeater —measuring a mere 3.12 mm in 2016—, the groundbreaking Octo Finissimo Automatic—with a movement just 2.23 mm thick in 2017—, and the unprecedented ultra-thin perpetual calendar—featuring a calibre only 2.75 mm thick in 2021—, which earned the prestigious Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève.
The integrated microbead-frosted titanium bracelet perfectly complements the watch's ultra-thin aesthetic, measuring just 1.5 mm thick—including the folding clasp. Once again, Bvlgari has masterfully fused complexity and elegance to create a timepiece of exceptional finesse.
With the new Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, Bvlgari continues its relentless pursuit of finesse and refinement in every conceivable dimension. The Maison has taken skeletonization to unprecedented extremes, maximizing light diffusion throughout the movement while creating dramatic visual contrasts through contemporary decorative techniques applied to key visible components. These include the polished slope of the bezel flange, the exquisitely rhodium-plated tourbillon balance and inertia blocks, and the sunburst-finished rhodium-plated tourbillon bridge—refined modern finishes that subtly enhance the watch's mechanical artistry.
The new Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon now stands as the thinnest tourbillon watch ever created. Measuring 40 mm in diameter and a mere 1.85 mm in thickness, it is powered by the BVF 900 tourbillon calibre—a manual wound mechanical movement that beats at 28,800 vph and provides a 42-hour power reserve.
The hallmark of the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is its tungsten carbide main plate that houses the mechanical movement. Traditional watchmaking typically separates the case from the movement, but Bvlgari has reimagined this fundamental approach. While watchmakers historically pursued thinner profiles primarily for aesthetic elegance, this objective introduced unique structural challenges. To solve this complex equation, Bvlgari's technical teams developed an innovative blend of advanced materials.
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is limited to 20 pieces.
Sticker Price USD 678,000. For more info on Bvlgari click here.
