The Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer (Live Pics)

Alongside the GMT and the Chronograph, a Worldtimer can be considered one of the most practical, everyday complications. And with the world opening up to travel, the practicality of such a watch makes sense again. It comes as no surprise that many manufacturers have a GMT or a world timer in the collection. New for 2021, Bvlgari introduces the Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer in two distinct versions: classic steel-and-blue and stealthy black DLC.

The Octo Roma is not to be confused with the Octo Finissimo, although the two share a similar design language. The Octo Roma is the softer, more mellow interpretation of the octagonal and circular shapes that all Octos follow. It is also positioned as less complex, featuring slightly simpler cases and a sportier look. Next to that, it’s a bit more affordable as well. However, it is by no means any less “Bvlgari”.

Following the design concept launched in 2004 as the Octo, Bvlgari proceeded with the Octo Finissimo line in 2014 and the Octo Roma collection in 2017. While the 2004 design is often credited to Gerald Genta, it was not designed by the industry legend, as our editor, Xavier, explained in detail here. The bold architectural design of the Octo range is a modern icon by now and unmistakably Bvlgari. It is also a platform the brand likes to play around with, as evidenced by the multiple record-breaking watches introduced in recent years.

The Octo Roma by Bvlgari is, as mentioned, a more toned-down watch when compared to the Octo Finissimo but still has the signature Octo elements. An octagonal case with a round bezel and faceted lugs are things you’d expect from an Octo. This new Bvlgari Octo Roma Worldtimer is no different as it features the same proportions as the rest of the Romas.

The new Octo Roma Worldtimer comes in either a steel case with a blue dial and integrated steel bracelet or a black dial with a black DLC-coated steel case fitted to a rubber strap. The 58 facets of the 41mm diameter case feature alternating brushed and polished surfaces in steel, but Bvlgari has opted to sandblast the case of the black DLC version for a more stealthy look. The screw-down crown has a ceramic insert. Both on top and the reverse side of the case is a sapphire crystal.

The dials, sunburst blue or matte, sandblasted black, provide a strong contrasting background for the indications. The blue dial has applied, brushed rhodium-plated hour markers, while the black dial has sandblasted markers in black, treated with Super-LumiNova. Regardless of which, the dial has a rotating city ring on the outside edge of the dial with a rotating 24-hour scale. The hands are either skeletonized or blackened and filled with Super-LumiNova.

Bvlgari also introduces a new movement for the Octo Roma Worldtimer, the BLV257 mechanical self-winding calibre. This integrated movement uses 261 components and is developed and produced by the Bvlgari manufacture in Le Sentier, Switzerland. The layout of the indications is typical for a world timer, with central hands and revolving discs. Both the time and world timer indication can be adjusted via the crown. Dimensions for the movement are 33mm in diameter and 6.03mm in height. It runs at a frequency of 28,800vph (or 4Hz) and has a 42-hour power reserve.

The steel case comes with the integrated steel bracelet with folding buckle we know (and love) within the Octo family. The black DLC-coated Octo Roma Worldtimer is fitted to a black rubber strap with a textile embossing and a black DLC-coated steel pin buckle. The price is yet to be confirmed.

For more information, please visit www.bulgari.com.