The Bold Bulgari Octo Finissimo Dazzle

The Octo Finissimo may be better known as Bulgari’s record-breaking platform for ultra-thin watchmaking. However, over the years, the collection has also welcomed artistic experimentation, with special editions such as the “sketch dials” and collaborations with artists and architects Lee Ufan, Mattar Bin Lahej, Kazuyo Sejima and Tadao Ando. This year, Bulgari continues its creative exploration with the Octo Finissimo Dazzle, a limited edition that is technically familiar but visually anything but conventional.

The concept is straightforward, even if the result is rather curious. Bulgari has covered the 40mm titanium case, dial and integrated bracelet with a geometric pattern inspired by dazzle camouflage. This form of visual disruption was originally developed to confuse the perception of an object’s shape. It later became familiar in the automotive world, where manufacturers use fragmented patterns to disguise new cars during testing.

Applied to the Octo Finissimo, the effect is quite interesting. The collection relies on a complex construction of overlapping angles, facets and geometric surfaces. By laser-engraving a pattern of squares across almost every visible titanium surface, Bulgari blurs these lines. The case, dial and bracelet remain visually connected, while the watch’s familiar architecture seems to dissolve.

Only the bezel is spared, retaining its role as one of the defining elements of the Octo Finissimo. The 5.15mm-thick sandblasted titanium case, the opaline titanium dial and the integrated titanium bracelet are all laser-engraved with a geometric motif. Black hands provide some contrast, although legibility is clearly not the main purpose here.

Fundamentally, the Octo Finissimo Dazzle is identical to previous 40mm automatic models, powered by the familiar manufacture calibre BVL 138, an ultra-thin automatic movement with a platinum micro-rotor. Measuring just 2.23mm in height, it beats at 21,600 vibrations/hour and stores 60 hours of power reserve. It displays the hours, minutes and small seconds, with the movement visible through the sapphire caseback and decorated with Côtes de Genève, perlage and chamfered components. The price is CHF 16,900, EUR 19,500 or USD 18,300.

For more details, please visit Bulgari.com.