# Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic – The Thinnest‑Than‑Thin Statement When Bulgari unveiled the Octo Finissimo Automatic in 2017, it did more than add another model to its ever‑growing catalogue – it set a new benchmark for how slender a mechanical watch can be while still delivering the brand’s signature Italian flair. At 40 mm in diameter and a case thickness of just 6.40 mm, the Octo Finissimo is a study in engineering minimalism, marrying a micro‑rotor movement that measures a scant 2.23 mm with a sleek, octagonal case that feels almost weightless on the wrist. The result is a watch that looks as much like a piece of contemporary sculpture as it does a time‑telling instrument. --- ## Design & Case The Octo Finissimo’s silhouette is unmistakable. Its eight‑sided case, a nod to Bulgari’s historic “Octo” line, is rendered in either satin‑polished stainless steel (reference 103 297) or ultra‑light titanium (reference 103 431). Both versions share the same 40 mm diameter, but the titanium model is marketed as “impossibly light,” emphasizing the brand’s pursuit of weight reduction alongside thinness. The case thickness is a mere 6.40 mm, a figure that places the watch among the thinnest automatic chronometers in production. This metric is not an afterthought; the entire architecture – from the micro‑rotor to the sapphire crystal – is engineered to sit flush with the case back, which is transparent, allowing a clear view of the BVL 138 movement. Dial options are restrained yet sophisticated: a black matte dial with applied hour markers and a small‑seconds sub‑dial at the 6 o’clock position. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal that, while thin, still offers the customary scratch resistance expected of high‑end watches. A polished stainless‑steel screw‑down crown, set with a ceramic insert, completes the front‑face aesthetic, while the integrated bracelet (in the stainless‑steel version) folds neatly into the case, reinforcing the seamless, “no‑gap” look that the Finissimo line is famous for. --- ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the Octo Finissimo sits Bulgari’s in‑house BVL 138 caliber – a fully manufactured automatic movement that carries the distinction of being a micro‑rotor. The rotor itself is crafted from platinum and measures only 2.23 mm in thickness, a world‑record for ultra‑thin automatic watches according to Bulgari’s own statements. The movement runs at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and houses 36 jewels. It offers a 60‑hour power reserve, which is respectable for a watch of this size and thickness. The small‑seconds complication is displayed through a discreet aperture at 6 o’clock, maintaining the dial’s clean lines. Accuracy figures are not disclosed in the source material, but the combination of a Swiss‑engineered automatic winding system and a finely finished micro‑rotor suggests a level of precision that aligns with contemporary luxury standards. Water resistance is rated to 100 metres (10 ATM), sufficient for swimming and snorkeling, though not intended for deep‑sea activities. --- ## On the Wrist The most frequently quoted sentiment from reviewers is that “the watch wears extremely well.” The thin profile (6.40 mm) and the use of titanium in the 103 431 version translate into a remarkably light feel; the watch sits almost unnoticed on the wrist, a quality that many wearers find liberating compared to bulkier automatic pieces. Lug‑to‑lug measurements are not explicitly listed, but given the 40 mm case diameter and the slim case walls, the watch presents a relatively compact wrist footprint, making it suitable for both larger and smaller wrists. The integrated bracelet on the stainless‑steel model adds to the seamless wearing experience, while the polished crown and the smooth case edges contribute to a comfortable, snag‑free interaction with clothing. However, the pursuit of thinness does introduce a trade‑off. With a case thickness of just 6.40 mm, there is limited room for additional protective layers, which may make the watch more vulnerable to impact compared with thicker, more robust sport models. The small‑seconds sub‑dial, while aesthetically pleasing, occupies a modest portion of the dial, potentially challenging legibility for those accustomed to larger hands. --- ## Value & Verdict Bulgari positions the Octo Finissimo Automatic in the upper‑mid luxury tier, with an approximate retail price of **US $13,500** (reference 103 011). For that price, the watch delivers a unique proposition: an ultra‑thin automatic movement that sets a world record, an iconic octagonal design, and a level of finish that reflects Bulgari’s jewelry heritage. From a value perspective, the Octo Finissimo excels in three areas: 1. **Technical Innovation** – The micro‑rotor BVL 138 movement is a genuine engineering milestone, rarely seen outside a handful of ultra‑thin specialists. 2. **Aesthetic Cohesion** – The octagonal case, transparent back, and integrated bracelet create a unified visual language that feels both modern and timeless. 3. **Wearability** – The combination of lightweight materials and a thin profile makes daily wear comfortable, a claim consistently echoed in positive reviews. Conversely, the watch’s limitations are equally clear. The 100 m water resistance, while adequate for casual swimming, falls short of the 200 m+ standards set by many competitors in the same price bracket. The thin case leaves less cushion for shock absorption, which could be a concern for active wearers. Finally, the lack of a date function means the Octo Finissimo is a pure time‑only piece, which may not satisfy those who expect a full‑calendar complication at this price point. **Verdict:** The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is a triumph of minimalist engineering that lives up to its “Finissimo” moniker. It is a watch that will appeal to collectors who value thinness, design purity, and a distinctive brand aesthetic over rugged utility. At roughly $13,500, it offers a compelling blend of cutting‑edge movement technology and high‑fashion styling, though buyers should be aware of its modest water resistance and the trade‑offs inherent in an ultra‑thin case. For anyone seeking a statement piece that straddles the line between haute‑joaillerie and haute‑horlogerie, the Octo Finissimo remains one of the most compelling options on the market today.