Auction Bvlgari’s One-of-a-Kind Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch

This year, Bvlgari celebrates its 140th anniversary. For this special occasion, the Manufacture ventures into uncharted territory by introducing a series of watches with illustrated dials that reveal the movement’s back instead of a traditional dial, as if admired from the other side through an open case back. You can read the full article about these watches, featuring dials sketched by Fabrizio Bonamassa.

Now, the company has unveiled a unique piece with a sketched dial for TimeForArt, the first and only benefit watch auction supporting contemporary art and artists. 

The auction will take place on December 7 in New York City with Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo. This year’s 2024 edition of TimeForArt features unique contributions from 25 distinguished watch brands, ranging from cutting-edge independent watchmakers to renowned luxury brands. Each brand has introduced a one-of-a-kind piece, including Biver’s remarkable contribution to this auction.

This unique piece retains the iconic Octo case design and features a 43 mm satin-polished rose gold case (8.75 mm thick). The caseback includes special engravings, such as “Esemplare Unico 1/1” and the “TimeForArt” logo. It is water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The golden dial of this exceptional piece for TimeForArt showcases a sketch highlighting key elements of both the dial and the back of the movement. It skillfully blends the iconic chronograph display (GMT at 3 o’clock, a 30-minute counter at 6 o’clock, and small seconds at 9 o’clock) with a balance wheel depicted between 4 and 5 o’clock, the emblematic column wheel at 8 o’clock, and intricate finishing details on the bridges and gears.

The Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT watch features a mechanical, ultra-thin manufacture movement, just 3.30 mm thick. The automatic winding system incorporates a peripheral rotor made of platinum. The BVL318 caliber beats at 28,800 vph (4Hz) and offers a power reserve of 55 hours.

The bracelet is also crafted from rose gold, complementing this unique piece created exclusively for the TimeForArt auction. Its estimated price is USD 40,000–80,000, approximately AED 146,900–293,800.

Brands Participating in the Auction: The TimeForArt auction features contributions from a diverse array of prestigious watchmakers, including Anoma, Armin Strom x Franz Gertsch, Baltic, Biver, Breitling, Bulgari, Carl F. Bucherer x Hodinkee, Chanel, Chopard, Czapek, Dennison, Furlan Marri, HYT, Louis Erard, Massena LAB x Raúl Pagès, Maurice Lacroix, Perrelet, RESERVOIR, Ressence, Reuge x ECAL, Sartory-Billard, Speake-Marin, Toledano & Chan, UNIMATIC, and Zenith. Each brand has crafted a unique, one-of-a-kind piece to support contemporary art and artists, showcasing their innovative designs and commitment to creativity.

 For more information, visit Bvlgari official website.