The New, Compact Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 37mm (Incl. Video)

Bulgari’s biggest release for 2026 is, ironically, the smallest member of its Octo Finissimo lineup. In just twelve years, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo legion has conquered more terrain than any other contender in the ultra-thin watch arena. While Bulgari is the undisputed Imperator of ultra-thin horology, it has always understood that a collection cannot survive on micromechanical laurels alone and developed a seductive, contemporary Italian design language that is instantly recognisable. At Watches & Wonders 2026, the Roman brand unveils a compact 37mm Octo Finissimo Automatic, powered by a new micro-rotor movement, in titanium and gold cases. Smaller to cater to a broader sector and mightier, thanks to a robust 72-hour power reserve, the Octo Finissimo powers forward as a versatile daily companion.

From the inaugural ultra-thin tourbillon in 2014, Bulgari has used the Octo Finissimo platform to showcase its horological firepower and redefine what a modern ultra-thin watch can look and feel like. Ranging from record-setting tourbillons and minute repeaters to chronographs, GMTs, and perpetual calendars (as chronicled here), the Octo Finissimo family gains coherence through its assertive design language. Drawing on Bulgari’s Roman roots, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s design for the Octo Finissimo borrows classical Roman architectural features but filters them through a contemporary lens. With its stepped octagonal case, the Octo Finissimo has often appeared in matte monochrome titanium cases. Viewed from above, the powerful geometry of the case bristles with angles, in contrast to the extreme thinness of its profile, which is as discreet as a classic dress watch.

Unveiled in 2017, the Octo Finissimo Automatic 40mm was the first automatic model in the collection: a straightforward time-only reference. It’s important to note that the watch did not set a record for its ultra-thin silhouette; instead, it smashed all records with its 2.23 mm-thin BVL 138 automatic movement featuring a micro-rotor and a robust 60-hour power reserve. Regarded as the purest interpretation of the line, the 40mm x 5.15mm Octo Finissimo Automatic offered an everyday wearable appeal. However, it’s fair to say that the 40mm version takes up considerable wrist space and can overwhelm smaller wrists.

In tune with current trends, Bulgari has rescaled its Octo Finissimo Automatic. By downsizing from 40mm to 37mm, its appeal paradoxically broadens. Although the 6.45mm case is not vying for a record in the ultra-thin category, it is nevertheless slim and aptly described by Bulgari as “extra thin”. Positioned as a compact, unisex, more inclusive, and more versatile model, the case retains its stepped, angular facets and is available in technical, ultra-light sandblasted titanium (hallmark Octo Finissimo material), satin-polished titanium, or a luxurious 18k yellow gold version. All three feature a black ceramic insert in the screw-down crown, are water-resistant to 30 metres and have a transparent caseback.

True to its family traits, the dial is a masterclass in restraint. The minimalist design features Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, slim baton markers, faceted Dauphine hands, and an off-centred small seconds sub-dial at 7-8 o’clock. The sandblasted titanium version has black hands and indices, the polished titanium version has rhodium-plated hands and indices, and the yellow gold dial has yellow gold-plated hands and indices.

At the heart of this new reference beats the calibre BVF 100, an automatic movement engineered from the ground up for the 37mm format. The result of three years of development, the new calibre BVF 100 with a micro-rotor measures 31mm across and stands just 2.35mm high. Like its siblings, it prioritises a horizontal layout versus vertical stacking. Although they share some similarities, the BVL138 inside the 40mm Octo Finissimo and the BVF100 are two completely different movements. The only common part is the balance wheel (for obvious rationalisation purposes), which seems more elegant and better adapted to the BVL138 architecture. Despite being just 0.12mm thicker than the BVL 138, the BVF 100 achieves a 20% reduction in volume, a feat made possible by breakthrough developments from extrathin calibres as well as the diminutive Piccolissimo and Solotempo ladies’ movements in the Serpenti collection. Although minimal, the added thickness of the new movement has enabled appreciable improvements in functionality and decoration.

The keyless works have been reworked to improve robustness, and the barrel has been maximised to allow for a more powerful spring that offers 3 days of power reserve, outpacing the BVL 138’s 60-hour autonomy. By shaving the barrel walls down to their structural minimum, Bulgari has carved out every possible millimetre to house a mainspring as large as possible for optimal power delivery. An original solution, the ratchet is clipped onto the barrel. The platinum micro-rotor is slightly smaller but slightly thicker to ensure sufficient winding efficiency and a 72-hour power reserve. Smaller but mightier, the new movement weighs just 65 grams and is visible through the sapphire caseback. In a departure from the straight Côtes de Genève decoration of the 40mm model, the bridges of the BVF 100 feature rarer, more demanding radiating Geneva stripes. The screws and dial lockers now have a new octagonal profile.

The bracelet is fitted with a discreet, integrated push-button clasp, and the links are attached to the case with a screw-fastening system for a seamless finish. The Octo Finissimo in sandblasted titanium retails for EUR 17,700, the satin-polished titanium reference retails for EUR 18,500. As you might expect, the 18k yellow gold model escalates to EUR 50,700. More information at bulgari.com.