Introducing Bulgari Leads Again with the Launch of the World’s Thinnest Watch: The Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC

Undoubtedly, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo collection stands out as one of the most remarkable watch creations of the past decade. This impressive timepiece has elevated the Italian Maison to the pinnacle of ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking mastery. Unique in its class, the collection embodies sophisticated and exceptional Italian design. In 2022, the Octo Finissimo Ultra held the distinction of being the second thinnest watch globally, measuring a mere 1.80 mm in thickness, as the first was "Richard Mille UP-01 Ferrari" at 1.75mm.

Now, during Watches And Wonders 2024, Bulgari raises the standard in high-end mechanical watchmaking. Never before has a mechanical timepiece with such resilience against shocks and magnetic fields been crafted to such slim dimensions, surpassing even the thickness of a coin. This remarkable feat epitomizes Bulgari's boldness and determination to continuously push the limits, with the new "Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC," now set at 1.70 mm, claiming the title of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, Bulgari's ninth world record.

The new Octo Finissimo Ultra isn't just the thinnest mechanical watch ever produced, it also holds the title of the world’s thinnest COSC chronometer. Given that the limits of movement slimness had already been reached with the previous “Octo Finissimo Ultra”, achieving an even slimmer profile for the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC required a redesign of the case, focusing on optimizing the sapphire crystal. Through patient and incremental adjustments, engineers managed to shave off that tenth of a millimeter, thereby setting a new world record.

Following the introduction of the first Octo Finissimo Ultra model in titanium in 2022, Bulgari took the challenge by selecting platinum, a material known for its density and the precision demanded at such slender proportions. As a result, the new timepiece is crafted from 950 platinum, measuring 40mm in diameter and featuring brushed, polished, and sand-blasted finishes for the case middle and bezel, while the caseback is composed of tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten and carbon.

The open-worked dial highlights the hours and minutes on two distinct sandblasted brass sub-dials coated in gray PVD, with a small seconds disk next to the minutes disk. The hairspring is positioned at 7 o’clock, while the large barrel sits at 11 o’clock. Bulgari has also introduced a new variant, the Octo Finissimo Ultra, which measures 1.80mm in thickness. A platinum timepiece that incorporates brass sub-dials with a blue PVD coating. 

Powering both releases is the ultra-thin, manually wound BVL 180 manufacture caliber, developed with Concepto, measuring just 1.50 mm thin. The movement operates at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and provides 50 hours of power reserve. The watch comes with a platinum bracelet and a titanium integrated clasp. Both watches are limited to 20 pieces, and prices are still upon request. 

For more information please visit Bulgari’s official website.