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Delicious Melange

Bulgari combines its ultrathin chronograph and tourbillon into one of its most desirable wristwatches to date.

By James Malcomson

Though it technically sets a record (for the world’s thinnest chronograph tourbillon), Bulgari’s new Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic will probably be remembered for simply being a gorgeous, highly desirable wristwatch. The company did far more than simply modifying the chronograph it introduced last year with a tourbillon escapement. It has created a skeletonized, highly symmetrical and modern piece of movement architecture that brilliantly matches the lines of the svelte Octo Finissimo case.

From a watchmaking perspective, the new chronograph tourbillon represents a significant leap. Much of the company’s movement design over the last few years has been driven by its quest for thinness. In its last GMT chronograph, for instance, its selection of a space saving lateral clutch was hidden under plates (needed for rigidity in the 3.3 mm movement). This new movement is only slightly thicker at 3.5 mm but represents an entirely new integration of Bulgari’s design and technical development departments. That once hidden lateral clutch is now shown off with a stylized yet practical sliding reset bracket. Similar touches are everywhere: the angles of the tourbillon bridge echo the arms of the carriage, all of which reflect the unique lines of the Octo case.

Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic offers this level of design-forward movement construction at the highly attractive price of $142,000. Housed in the model’s now well known motif of matte titanium the watch will be made in a run of just 50 pieces, which are likely to be rapidly sold.

The Octo Finissimo Chronograph Tourbillon will be making an appearance at Stephen Silver in late September. 

To schedule a viewing, e-mail us at boutique@shsilver or call us at 650-292-0162.