A Fresh New Green Dial for the Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic

When it comes to watches for men made by Bulgari, it seems the multiple-time record-breaking Octo Finissimo range gets all the attention… Rightfully so, you’ll admit, as this collection is as spectacular visually as it is technically. Bold, ultra-thin, highly distinctive in its approach to design and materials and undeniably Italian, it is the brand’s flagship model. And next to it lives the Octo Roma, a watch that feels to me a bit too often overlooked. A versatile, more accessible, more relaxed, sportier and sturdier, the Octo Roma is the daily driver that sits next to your supercar, but still with great flair. Cleverly revamped in 2023, we now have a new green edition of the Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic, discreetly added by the brand to the collection. 

To quote my colleague Xavier, the Bulgari Octo is one of the most striking watch creations of the last decade. Naturally, the impressive Finissimo saga, which made the brand one of the stars of ultra-thin watchmaking. But as its name suggests, the Finissimo is part of a larger family, the Octo. Its design combines angles, curves and a rounded octagonal shape with Bulgari’s sophisticated design. Next to the ultra-edgy and ultra-thin Finissimo sits the Octo Roma, a more rounded, less radical and far more versatile all-rounder watch that is meant to be worn all day, every day. The Octo Roma was first presented in 2017, before being updated in 2023 to include even more practicality.

Besides an automatic chronograph version and more complicated editions, the collection’s central piece is the classic Solotempo (time-only) watch that fits perfectly the bill for the all-rounder watch that can do it all. In line with the update of 2023, the case of the Octo Roma has been cleverly, even if discreetly, redesigned. The shape is more rounded, the bezel is new, and the faceted lugs and crown guards have been redesigned. A more robust construction, along with a screw-down crown, ensures that the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres. And part of the appeal and versatility of the Octo Roma comes from the lower number of facets of its case – it “only” has 58 facets compared to the dramatic razor-sharp edges produced by the 110 facets of its Finissimo brothers. And yet, it doesn’t lose much of the spectacular design of the Finissimo. The watch is also a great fit on the wrist, as the 41mm diameter is offset by short lugs and the thickness is actually very pleasant at only 9.15mm.

New for this year’s collection, the Octo Roma Automatic welcomes a new green dial, which will be available next to the classic silver, grey, black and blue editions. Nested inside a satin-brushed bezel with its polished octagonal base, the round dial echoes the case structure by incorporating another octagonal shape on its periphery. In line with the evolution of the collection, the matte green dial – a discreet colour, to be fair – is now featuring a stamped Clous de Paris pattern, adding texture and depth compared to the sunray-brushed dials of the past. It feels more modern too, and the subtle touch of colour offered by this green dial is a nice addition, keeping the watch low-key enough for daily wear. All markers and hands are filled with lume, which is a nice touch, too.

Inside is the in-house automatic calibre BVL 191 Solotempo powering the hours, minutes, seconds and date. With a bidirectional central rotor, a frequency of 28,800vph, 26 jewels and a 42h power reserve, the movement is produced by Bulgari’s manufacture in Switzerland and is pleasantly finished with thin Geneva stripes on the bridges and rotor and chamfered angles.

One of the important evolutions of the 2023 Octo Roma was the implementation of a user-friendly and practical interchangeable bracelet/strap system. Thus, you can now change the look of your Octo Roma in seconds without the need for tools. And Bulgari makes good use of that, as the new Green edition is delivered with a tone-on-tone green strap with the same texture as the dial, and a stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp.

Now available from the brand and part of the permanent collection, the Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic Green is priced at EUR 7,900. And, without accounting for this new and quite handsome colour, it still offers great personality and versatility on a daily basis. It’s an option to consider next to other mainstream alternatives. For more details, please visit www.bulgari.com.