Introducing Bvlgari Unveils the Octo Finissimo and Tubogas Manchette Watches

Timepieces inspired by the legacy of Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.

Bvlgari has unveiled two limited-edition watches celebrating Mexican icons Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, two of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The watch dedicated to Kahlo’s vibrant life and artistic legacy is a new yellow gold Tubogas Manchette, while the timepiece honoring Rivera takes the form of the refined Octo Finissimo. This special edition, the fruit of three years of collaboration between the artists’ representatives and the Maison, pays tribute to their enduring creative influence.

The Octo Finissimo Diego Rivera features a satin-polished yellow gold case with 58 facets, showcasing Bvlgari’s architectural precision and contemporary finesse. Measuring 40 mm in diameter and only 6.4 mm thick, the watch maintains the ultra-slim elegance characteristic of the Octo line. The crown, fitted with a black ceramic insert, adds a modern contrast, while the caseback bears Diego Rivera’s engraved signature alongside an illustration inspired by one of his self-portraits.

The gold dial marks a first for the Octo Finissimo, as it incorporates Roman numerals, blending Rivera’s artistic inspiration with Bvlgari’s Italian design language. Notably, the numerals 7 and 8 are highlighted, adding visual depth and symbolic meaning.

The design draws inspiration from a clock adorning the roof of one of the terraces of Casa Azul—the renowned Frida Kahlo Museum and former residence of both artists. Rivera, who played a role in the home’s architectural design, infused it with artistic symbolism and perspective. In a poetic nod to his style, the Roman numeral “11” is mirrored at “9”, suggesting the idea of perfection found within imperfection.

Visible through the transparent sapphire caseback is the in-house BVL 138 automatic caliber, remarkably thin at just 2.23 mm. Finely decorated with hand-chamfered edges, circular graining, and Côtes de Genève finishing, the movement beats at 21,600 vph and delivers a 60-hour power reserve.

The Octo Finissimo Diego Rivera is completed with a yellow gold bracelet secured by a three-blade folding clasp. This exceptional timepiece is limited to 25 pieces, priced at CHF 49,200, approximately AED 226,800.

Technical specifications: Bvlgari Octo Finissimo - Diego Rivera Limited Edition

  • Reference: 104221
    Case: 18-carat satin-polished yellow gold, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides, crown with black ceramic inserts, Sapphire crystal caseback with engraved Diego Rivera signature and self-portrait sketch
  • Diameter: 40 mm
  • Height: 6.4 mm
  • Water resistance: 30 m
  • Dial: Brushed yellow gold dial with black hands and Roman numeral indices, Roman numeral XI "11" repeated at "9", Yellow gold-plated small seconds hand
  • Movement: ultra-thin in-house caliber BVL 138, automatic,  36.60mm x 2.23mm, platinium micro-rotor, Côtes de Genève, circular-graining finishes
  • Power reserve: 60 hours
  • Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
  • Functions:  hours, minutes, small seconds 
  • Bracelet / Strap: yellow gold bracelet with 3-blade folding clasp
  • Availability: Limited edition of 25 pieces 
  • Price: CHF 49,200 which is equivalent to 226,800 AED

The second timepiece, inspired by Frida Kahlo, is a tribute to her extraordinary ability to transform suffering into art. Through this watch, Bvlgari seeks to capture her deepest essence, unveiling the spirit of Frida. As a reminder of her unique vision, the bracelet of this remarkable watch is adorned with a verse inspired by her writings.

In homage to Frida Kahlo’s legacy, Bvlgari presents a limited edition of 25 pieces, marking the world debut of its new Tubogas Manchette collection. This new design draws inspiration from one of the Maison’s creations from the 1970s, reinterpreting the audacity and creativity of Frida Kahlo.

Each Tubogas Manchette watch highlights the iconic Tubogas technique, symbolizing the boldness that has long defined Bvlgari’s design language. The bracelet is engraved with an inscription inspired by “Diarios de un accidente” by Beatriz Alvarado, itself based on Frida’s own writings. The phrase “More than a thousand ways to kiss” was carefully chosen and finely engraved along the curves of the single-wrap yellow gold Tubogas bracelet, measuring 135 mm and composed of meticulously crafted geometric links.

The dainty 19 mm yellow gold case frames a mother-of-pearl dial set with diamond hour markers, powered by Bvlgari’s Lady Solotempo mechanical movement. The BVS100 Solotempo automatic caliber, measuring just 19 mm x 3.9 mm, is designed to fit within the compact cases of the Serpenti family. Despite its small dimensions and lightweight construction of only 5 grams, the Lady Solotempo offers a robust 50-hour power reserve.

The Tubogas Manchette Frida Kahlo is limited to 25 pieces, priced at CHF 64,000, approximately AED 295,000.
 Technical specifications: Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette Frida Kahlo Limited Edition

  • Reference: 104092
    Case: 18-carat satin-polished yellow gold, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on both sides
  • Diameter: 19 mm
  • Water resistance: 30 m
  • Dial: White mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.12 ct) as indices, Yellow gold-plated hands
  • Movement: Self-winding, Caliber BVS100 manufacture movement, Oscillating mass decorated with the Bvlgari logo and sunray decoration, Diameter: 26 mm, Thickness: 3.90 mm
  • Power reserve: 50 hours
  • Frequency: 21,600 vph (3Hz)
  • Functions:  hours, minutes
  • Bracelet / Strap: Single-wrap yellow gold Tubogas bracelet with engraved poem, Size 135 mm
  • Availability: Limited edition of 25 pieces 
  • Price: CHF 64,000 which is equivalent to 295,000 AED

 

For more information, visit Bvlgari official website.


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