Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial (Live Pics & Price)

We all remember the inaugural Octo Finissimo Automatic, a watch that made headlines in 2017 with the thinnest automatic movement on the market. First presented in a monochromatic edition in titanium, followed by sandblasted steel and gold models, it has become a signature watch in the brand’s collection. Last year, it received an update to become the S model – not just a different dial but also a different finishing and, best of all, a 100m water-resistant case. This year, the Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial returns to its much-loved monochromatic look.

The original Octo Finissimo – which is still available – was and still is a fascinating watch. Combining the beauty of high-end watchmaking – with its ultra-thin (2.23mm height) automatic movement, developed and manufactured in-house – with a bold, contemporary design was a refreshing move. Octo Finissimo was a rule breaker from the moment it made its entrance in 2014 and has continued to redefine the boundaries of style and modernity with every new edition. Originally presented in sandblasted titanium with a matching dial, its monochromatic look reinforces the feeling of a monolithic object – which is the base behind the concept of luxury sports watches. The original design of the Octo Finissimo might have been too bold an alternative to the established codes of traditional luxury sports watches.

As a reaction, Bvlgari decided to offer an alternative to this emblematic but striking matte/monochrome look by presenting the new Octo Finissimo S watch. A model more in line with the classic codes of the luxury sports watch category, the Octo Finissimo S was executed in stainless steel with brushed and polished surfaces and a contrasting dial. But what really made this new S model a winner was the work done by the brand on robustness. To add a sportier touch to the watch, visually and in terms of specifications, it was updated with a redesigned case and a screw-down crown. This resulted in a slightly thicker case (6.4mm vs 5.15mm), but the pay-off was the 100m water-resistance. In our eyes, that made this S model the best possible combination between sportiness and ultra-thin.

First presented with a grained black lacquered dial and a sunray-brushed blue dial, we missed the option of a tone-on-tone dial, which is truly part of the collection’s DNA – most models were originally presented with sandblasted titanium cases and matching dials. Problem solved as part of the new collection presented for the 2021 LVMH Watch Week, introduces the Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial, bringing back the full grey scheme with a sportier note.

The main update concerns the dial, which is presented with yet another finishing. No grained or sunray-brushed finishing here, the dial of this Octo Finissimo S is now vertically brushed, and paired with polished applied markers and openworked hands. This new dial not only creates a monolithic look in terms of colour, but it also provides continuity between the bracelet and the dial, both executed with vertical brushing. Once again, the watch transmits the feeling of an object designed as a coherent unit. And of course, it remains modern and bold, just like all other Octos.

Other than this updated dial, the watch retains the same specifications, meaning a 40mm case with an 8-sided design, a radially-brushed bezel (more than a hundred facets in total) and the presence of subtle polished accents that emphasize the architectural look of the watch. Being an S model, this new version is 6.40mm in height – which is still incredibly thin – but also features a screw-down crown for 100m water-resistance, making it perfect for daily wear.

The Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial is worn on an ultra-thin, integrated stainless steel bracelet with a concealed folding clasp. An integral part of the design, the bracelet flows from the case and is executed with brushed surfaces and polished accents.

The sapphire caseback reveals the self-winding calibre BLV 138. This elegant in-house movement is 36.60mm x 2.23mm. It operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour. Its platinum micro-rotor winds a barrel that stores 60 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The finishing includes Geneva stripes and perlage.

Availability & Price

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo S Steel Silvered Dial (Ref. 103464) will be launched as part of the permanent collection and is expected in stores in May 2021. It will be priced at EUR 12,300 or USD 12,000.

For more details, visit www.bulgari.com.