Bulgari Octo Finissimo Titanium Review

willski · 2017-12-15T06:57:20Z

Willski reviews the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, highlighting its ultra-thin titanium case, BVL 138 movement, and comfort. Discover why this GPHG winner is a game-changer.

willski

WPS member · Bulgari forum

42 replies14732 views3 photos

Willski shares his first impressions of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, specifically the New York Boutique LE, highlighting its remarkable thinness and titanium construction. His hands-on experience provides valuable insights into what makes this timepiece a significant achievement in modern watchmaking.

I finally got round to trying on the new Octo Finissimo yesterday and I have to say I was impressed. The one in the pictures below was the New York Boutique LE (15 examples).

It’s hard to imagine just how the thin the watch is (40mm diameter, 5.15mm thick) and the full titanium construction leads to a weight that makes the watch seem almost fake! The case construction and bracelet were very good, and the clasp well engineered as well. It was super comfortable as is, and I imagine once sized would be even more so.

The movement is pretty awesome as well. Some quick notes - Caliber BVL 138 is 36.6mm x 2.23mm (!), with a platinum micro-rotor and ~60 hour power reserve (!!).

The one immediate downside is the 30m water resistance; if it had 100m or so I could imagine this being a compelling daily wear piece without the need to be overly concerned about scratches (Royal Oaks and Nautilus I’m looking at you).

Well done Bvlgari!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Octo Finissimo, particularly the regular edition on a bracelet, is a stealthy watch that often goes unnoticed by those unfamiliar with horology, yet impresses those with an eye for design.
The initial impression of lightness can make the watch feel 'plasticky,' but the titanium bracelet's ability to warm to body temperature enhances comfort, making it 'melt into the skin.'
The Octo Finissimo's GPHG win was well-deserved, marking Bulgari's evolution into a legitimate integrated watch manufacture, moving beyond its previous image as an assembler of industrial acquisitions.
The New York Boutique LE features blue hands, indices, 'Fifth Avenue' on the dial, and '1 of 15' etched on the case side, with a blue 'New York, Roma' on the case back crystal.
While the watch's lightness is striking, some suggest a darker blue for the hands and indices might enhance the aesthetic, comparing the current blue to Porsche's Miami Blue.
Despite its 40mm diameter, the Octo Finissimo wears comparably to a Royal Oak 15300, with exceptional comfort and bracelet integration rivaling RO/Nautilus/Oyster bracelets.

The Discussion

Tim_M

Dec 15, 2017

Its GPHG win was well deserved, and this must be considered one of the best debuts from any brand over the last year. As you say, it cannot be appreciated in full unless one tries the watch firsthand. It looks, feels, and IS special. This is pure opinion, but I believe that the Octo Finissimo Auto marks Bulgari's coming-of-age as a legit integrated watch manufacture rather than its former appearance as a shotgun assembly of impressive industrial acquisitions. Best, Tim

TheMadDruid

Dec 15, 2017

I've heard nothing but good about this watch and you are confirming that. This piece has blue instead of black, as well as the "5th" which differentiates it from the regular, I guess?

Spangles - Dr. Tabby

Dec 15, 2017

I didn't realize the markers are blue as well as the hands, what a nice look.

AnthonyTsai

Dec 15, 2017

The matte titanium case looks great with the blue hands imo. Cheers, Anthony

Alkiro1

Dec 15, 2017

I would have preferred to see the same case shape but without those tiny lugs and a better integrated bracelet. The watch would have appeared “lighter” for me and more in harmony with the thinness of this timepiece. Best wishes Alkiro

willski

Dec 15, 2017

And indeed, the feel in person greatly enhances the initial impressions from seeing pictures. I saw the other pieces (tourb, MR, skeleton etc.) but this one was the most impressive to me as it seemed to distill the essence of the watch. I have no idea of Bvlgari’s after sales network but I hope they invest there as well and not neglect it.

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