OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA COSC NEW WORLD RECORD AND COSC CHRONOMETER CERTIFICATION
The Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC sets a new bar in high-end mechanical watchmaking. Never before has a mechanical watch resistant to shocks and magnetic fields been made so slim – even thinner than a coin. An achievement that exemplifies Bvlgari’s daring streak and relentless drive to keep pushing boundaries, the benchmark now stands at 1.70 millimeters.
A NEW FEAT WITH PUSHED BOUNDARIES
The 1.70 mm thickness of the new Octo Finissimo Ultra sets a groundbreaking standard in the world of watchmaking. Not only is it the thinnest mechanical watch ever created, but it also holds the title of the world’s thinnest COSC chronometer. This achievement showcases a meticulous process that challenges traditional norms and elevates the art of high watchmaking to a modern level. The exceptional design of the watch immediately captures attention, inviting contemplation on the innovative techniques used in its development. The journey to achieving this milestone was arduous, requiring a delicate balance between slimness and durability. Bvlgari’s approach involved a complete reimagining of watch construction, resulting in the unveiling of the Octo Finissimo Ultra with a remarkable thickness of 1.80 mm in 2022.
Building on this success, Bvlgari’s R&D team, in partnership with Concepto, experts in intricate mechanisms, continued to push boundaries. Each step towards improvement demanded immense effort, akin to a sprinter striving for a personal best. Surpassing previous achievements underscores the brand’s commitment to innovation, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Antoine Pin, director of Bvlgari’s watchmaking division, emphasizes the Octo Finissimo’s role as a platform for innovation and design, presenting unprecedented challenges that push the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking. These accomplishments not only showcase technical expertise but also embody the essence of Bvlgari’s identity and commitment to excellence.
The journey to this record was formidable, beginning with the task of reconciling extreme slimness with robustness. Creating the world’s thinnest mechanical watch isn’t possible by building solely on existing concepts. It requires a paradigm shift, starting anew from the ground up. This is precisely what Bvlgari accomplished with the unveiling of the Octo Finissimo Ultra and its remarkable thickness of only 1.80 mm in 2022. Emboldened by this achievement and convinced the limits had not been reached, Bvlgari’s R&D department, in collaboration with Concepto (experts in complex mechanisms), decided to push the envelope further still. Like a sprinter achieving a new personal best, each fraction of improvement demanded exponential effort. Surpassing already historic achievements is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and the ability to question established norms.
THE ART OF MASTERY
The Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC achieved a new level of slimness by optimising the sapphire crystal within the case. Engineers meticulously shaved off a tenth of a millimetre, setting a new world record. The case back doubles as the mainplate for the manually wound BVL180 manufacture caliber, consisting of 170 components selected with precision measuring systems. This COSC-certified movement adds complexity to the Ultra line. Crafted from dense tungsten carbide, the case back/mainplate ensures rigidity for the 40mm diameter and 1.70mm thick watch. The design cleverly utilises the watch’s surface area, with the hour and minute dials, large barrel, and escapement playing with the circular geometry of the bezel opening.
The Octo Finissimo Ultra, released two years ago and still accessible through special orders, revolutionized modern high-end watchmaking by introducing new digital connections. The QR code on the crown has been replaced with a miniature Datamatrix on the rear, offering comprehensive information about the timepiece and welcoming you to explore the Bvlgari world. Through visuals and videos, it offers a deeper insight into the pursuit of unparalleled precision, the unique craftsmanship, and innovation behind the development of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC.
An exceptional watch needs an exceptional case: with the case dedicated to the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, Bvlgari reinvents the experience of setting and winding its watch. If you don’t want to use traditional methods, you can place your watch in the dedicated case, equipped with a digital display. The desired time is then programmed, and the adjustment cycle launched at the touch of a button. In a matter of seconds, the watch is perfectly adjusted and wound with impeccable precision. It’s like having a watchmaker at home. As a hallmark of its era, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC (104081), a new milestone in the history of watchmaking, is being introduced in limited series of 20 pieces. “What makes us so proud of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is not just that it represents a remarkable triumph over the constraints of physics, but the spirit and depth of mechanical ingenuity behind it that so perfectly encapsulate the ethos of our Maison,” concludes Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bvlgari. “To break new ground, to think differently in seeking to achieve greater reliability, performance, and elegance, that is what propels us forward.”
OCTO FINISSIMO ULTRA PLATINUM
The Finissimo collection is characterized by its use of ultra-light titanium for the case, dial, and bracelet, which has led to its exceptional slimness and more than 50 international awards in twelve years. After introducing the first Octo Finissimo Ultra model in titanium in 2022, Bvlgari took on the challenge of using platinum – a material known for its density and the precision required for thin dimensions. As a result, the new Octo Finissimo Ultra Platinum is made of 950 platinum with satin, polished, and sand-blasted finishes for the case middle and bezel, while the back/plate element is crafted from tungsten carbide. The bracelet also features a platinum construction with a satin-polished finish. To ensure reliability, the integrated clasp is titanium and has been tested for 5000 cycles. Notably, this new model, powered by the BVL 180 manufacture caliber, is an impressive 1.80 mm thin, a first for a platinum timepiece. The Octo Finissimo Ultra Platinum (103832) is available in a limited edition of 20 pieces.
