Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic

Monochromatic, full-black, stealth… What a bold watch! While the classic titanium or steel versions of the Octo Finissimo Automatic need little or no introduction anymore, fewer might know that a full black ceramic version was also introduced at Baselworld 2019 – well, it wasn’t forgotten by someone from the team who declared it as “one of the best watches of the year”. This year, as part of the novelties presented by the brand in Dubai, is a new version, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic.

As with the satin-polished steel or gold models we’ve presented to you very recently, the concept here is to create new animations around the Octo Finissimo Automatic, but not by playing on colours (the too-often-seen ‘new dial colour’) but on finishings and materials. The basic concept of the monochromatic look of the original titanium Octo Finissimo is still present in this new version, yet some contrasts have been added by changing the way the surfaces are decorated.

The previous – and still available – black ceramic version of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic was all about matte surfaces, with an entirely sandblasted case. With the new one, these matte surfaces are being relegated to a different role, creating contrast with the newly glossed and polished surfaces. As such, the new Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic feels even more architectural then ever, even in its full-black attire. This treatment has been applied both on the multi-faceted case and on the integrated bracelet – also made of ceramic.

The dial of this version is, as expected, fully black too and made of ceramic, with polished hands and indexes to enhance legibility. The display is classic to this watch, with central hours/minutes and a small seconds counter positioned at 7 o’clock.

Inside the case, which still measures 40mm in diameter and 5.50mm in height (a tiny bit more than the steel or gold models) is the in-house, record-thin automatic calibre BVL138 with platinum micro-rotor and 60h power reserve.

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black Sandblast-Polished Ceramic will come next to other references in the regular collection. Its price will be USD 15,600. More details at www.bulgari.com.