Bulgari, the Roman jeweller and watchmaker, has broken world records by unveiling the world's thinnest watch, the Octo Finissimo Ultra. Launched with a huge fanfare in Rome, its measurements are unbelievably slim
By Kim Parker
Bulgari has unveiled the world’s thinnest watch, the Octo Finissimo Ultra. The story of Bulgari’s Octo watches has always been one of firsts. In the ten short years since the Roman jeweller and watchmaker launched its Octo collection, the angular timepiece has become a bona fide design icon. It has garnered no less than 60 international prizes, including the coveted ‘Aiguille d’Or’, or Best in Show, at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève – considered the Oscars of the watchmaking world.
The watch Bulgari introduced last night was its eighth record-breaking iteration of the Octo collection: the Octo Finissimo Ultra, which has been officially confirmed as the world’s thinnest watch. Measuring 1.8mm from its casebook to the top of its sapphire crystal, the Octo Finissimo Ultra is about as thick as a 20 euro cent coin.
“Can we do it? No sooner was the question asked three years ago than our teams answered: how are we going to do it?” recalls Antoine Pin, Managing Director of the Bulgari Watch Division. “This ability to meet challenges is embedded in the brand’s DNA. As for the word ‘ultra’, it expresses this desire to go beyond the limits, to play with extremes, an idea that we love in-house.”
When asked how Bulgari met the challenge of creating the world’s thinnest mechanical watch, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari’s Product Creation Executive Director, stated:
“The challenge of this eighth record was the most difficult to overcome, since we had to break the rules not only in terms of movement design, but also of the case, the caseback, the bracelet and the folding clasp.” In order to achieve this feat, Buonamassa Stigliani revealed that Bulgari’s designers, engineers, and production team had to start from scratch. “You not only have to review your way of thinking, but you must also draw upon a wide range of skills, play with multiple materials and adapt to a multitude of new constraints.”
In all, it took Bulgari’s technical teams three years of research to achieve the super miniaturisation required to create the Octo Finissimo Ultra.
What’s more, Bulgari’s record breaking timepiece has inspired eight new patent applications, relating to everything from its glass assembly and barrel structure, to its bracelet and display. A unique QR code, engraved on the Octo Finissimo Ultra’s ratchet-wheel allows each new owner to scan and access special interviews, videos and virtual tours related to their timepiece. The ten limited-edition timepieces also come with exclusive NFT artwork, guaranteeing the authenticity of the watch and the link to its owner.
With this latest world record in the bag, and a slew of new patents to its name, Bulgar’s latest Octo proves eight really is the luckiest number. And it’s one that will ensure the brand’s place in the history of watchmaking for centuries to come.
Like this? Discover the best new art inspired watches
There’s nothing like a burst of colour to take you through the summer months. This season, the head-turning power of red has swept the watchmaking world. If you’re looking to take part in the trend, reach for the new limited-edition TAG Heuer Carrera which has been reimagined in a dramatic red shade for 2022
Luxury watchmaker U-Boat is a cult favourite among watch fanatics for their Tuscan craftsmanship and timeless style. For this latest season, the brand has introduced new 30mm iterations of its Classico Lady timepiece, the smallest size ever conceived by the Italian label. Showcasing fine diamonds and expert horology, the new range is a surefire way to get noticed this summer
Calling all watch enthusiasts with a penchant for diamonds. Roman jeweller Bulgari has updated its iconic Divas’ Dream and Allegra watch collections with playful new shapes and a frosting of jewels just in time for the summer months
With the debut of Netflix’s latest crowd-pleaser, The Gray Man, Ryan Gosling is the man of the hour. Celebrating the release of the action thriller at the British Film Institute on London’s iconic South Bank, Gosling stepped out onto the red carpet looking effortlessly suave wearing an ultra-sleek TAG Heuer Carrera Three Hands
To celebrate Shark Week, the Swiss luxury watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has unveiled a new limited-edition version of their 44mm Diver chronograph called the Diver Chrono Great White, with 1% of sales donated to the protection of sharks
Sign up for our newsletter for the best stories and ideas straight to your inbox, carefully curated by Something About Rock's editors.
From latest collections, extraordinary designers and celebrity trends, we'll keep you up to date with today's ideas and stories.
Sign up for our newsletter for the best stories and ideas straight to your inbox, carefully curated by Something About Rock's editors.
From latest collections, extraordinary designers and celebrity trends, we'll keep you up to date with today's ideas and stories.