A magnificent article ...

... as usually! I was intrigued to find a treatise on the cultural aspects of the octogonal shape as well. If I may add a small detail, however, regarding the importance of the octogonal shape in Western religious tradition. You mentioned the octogonal churches. As a matter of fact, the octogon is very rare here, since the number 8 does not have a specific importance in Christian tradition. The only noteworthy ecclesiastic building of the early Christian period is S. Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, built under emperor Iustinian (ca. 530 AD). This was copied later, introducing the octogonal shape to Central Europe, in San Vitale in Ravenna (540 AD). finally, it was emperor Charles the Great who used this design for the "chapel" in his Aachen palace (ca. 800 AD), where his throne was (and still is) located. The common interpretation of this octogon is to be a combination of Roma quadrata and Jerusalema quadrata, the two holiest places in the Christian world. Nearly all baptisteria in Europe (mostly Southern Europe) are circular in layout.

Marcus

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The Global & Cultural Appeal of the Bulgari Octo Case - A Review

By: pingtsai : February 28th, 2014-23:36

The Bulgari Octo Case Has Global and Cultural Appeal Weve seen Bulgari take liberties with design in the integration of the Gerald Genta Octo with its own interpretation. But one thing they did remain true to original form is the case. The case has retai...

A splendid report as always

By: Spellbound : March 1st, 2014-01:19

This case is certainly a fascinating piece of "architecture". Is it a square? Is it a circle, or is it an Octagon. Well actually the design marries all three in an extremely cohesive manner. What I like about the Octo's in these guises is that Bulgari too...

Thank you Dean

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:02

Totally agree that they hit it out of the park with the bracelet. From male reports, it's one of the most comfortable metal bracelets they've tried.

I love the Octo

By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : March 1st, 2014-03:39

And Ping you never fail to make it more appealing to me! :) Another great report from you on this lovely watch that getting iconic imho. Thank you for your report. I tried it some weeks back (the basic Octo in black dial with steel bracelet). Really looks...

Hello Robin

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:03

Thank you for your comments. I think I can relate....sadly, I can't enjoy this watch either personally but must admire on someone else's wrist.

A magnificent article ...

By: Marcus Hanke : March 1st, 2014-06:17

Thank you Marcus

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:04

Really appreciate the comments and feedback coming from you :) And thank you so much for adding all the background information. I've learned more!

Additional question:

By: Marcus Hanke : March 6th, 2014-08:21

If an octogonal case is seen as something positive, then is a rectangular case something bad, because of its four edges? Marcus

Hmm...not completely sure but

By: pingtsai : March 6th, 2014-14:59

I don't think so. Many Chinese squares and courtyards are in square shape (Tiananmen Square) and Chinese watch company Seagull has square watches.

Ping, you must be the most graceful writer on this site!

By: cazalea : March 1st, 2014-10:45

When I read your stories I marvel; I wish I could write like this. I want an Octa. Cazalea

That is one of the nicest compliments...

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:13

....I could receive. Thank you so much Mike :) I'm so glad that Bulgari was able to make more of a connection with our watch community here with this watch. Seemed to finally open people's minds...if even just a little. Thanks again!

So torn by this one...!

By: Esharp : March 2nd, 2014-06:11

Ping, This is a lovely article - it really explains the watch, the design, and captures its appeal. Thanks! I was pretty spellbound when the new Octo was introduced. It had a bit of that Genta magic, great style, and seemed an excellent complement to the ...

Aww man, what a shame

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:08

...but I can totally relate as I could never wear it either sadly. (same goes for the Royal Oaks) Even with the leather strap instead of the bracelet? But yes, it would be nice to see a slightly smaller version. Hopefully Bulgari is reading and will consi...

I'm not the only one!

By: Esharp : March 5th, 2014-03:56

Ping, I just can't get Royal Oaks to sit right on my wrists either. Strangely enough, Offshores are ok - at least on leather or rubber straps - but the classic ROs? Nope. As with the Octo, I think it's something to do with the shape of the lugs and the wi...

Great review Ping

By: AnthonyTsai : March 2nd, 2014-11:33

The Bulgari Octo is one damn sexy watch! It has this unusual combination of conservative design mixed with contemporary styling. The Octo chronograph is going to be another watch to look at for the sports watch fanatic. Cheers, Anthony

Thank you

By: pingtsai : March 4th, 2014-22:09

and thanks for the awesome pictures as always and wrist shots !

The Octo is a perfect design ...

By: Marcus Hanke : March 5th, 2014-00:58

... if only they would add at least some hints of luminosity to it. IN my opinion, the skeletonized hands do not serve any practical purpose, and also are not dominant enough to be a substantial component of the overall design. Consequently, the empty spa...

Bulgari

A magnificent article ...

The Global & Cultural Appeal of the Bulgari Octo Case - A Review

A splendid report as always

Thank you Dean

I love the Octo

Hello Robin

A magnificent article ...

Thank you Marcus

Additional question:

Hmm...not completely sure but

Ping, you must be the most graceful writer on this site!

That is one of the nicest compliments...

So torn by this one...!

Aww man, what a shame

I'm not the only one!

Great review Ping

Thank you

The Octo is a perfect design ...

WONDERFUL article Ping, Thanks!

I think it already has been Michael...

Thanks a lot Ping for this great article!