iW Spring 2023 | Page 69

AS THE BULGARI OCTO FINISSIMO CELEBRATES ITS TEN-YEAR ANNIVERSARY , the originator of the design and the Phillips auction house have teamed to create the Octo Finissimo Special Edition Phillips in Association with Bacs and Russo , a limited edition model that echoes the collection ’ s monochromatic dial , thin octagonal case and symmetric design elements . Since Bulgari designs always reference Roman architecture , the new special edition also retains the Roman sense of geometric symmetry . Thus , around the center of the sand-blasted titanium dial you ’ ll see a symmetric set of engraved markers with only the 12 and 6 breaking the pattern . The new watch eliminates the seconds subdial found on the historic Octo Finissimo design , a decision that highlights the full round dial within the eight-sided case .
“ With this sectored dial design , our intent was to create a symmetry and pay tribute not only to Bulgari ’ s Italian roots , but also to the great Italian architects and designers of the 20th century ,” explains Aurel Bacs , Senior Consultant , Bacs & Russo . “ By eschewing the small seconds counter , a first for this model , we wanted to draw the focus on the engraved dial with its large numerals and the chapter ring whose color sways from black to grey to bronze , depending on the lighting .”
The thin 40mm case and the bracelet are finished to match the dial in sand-blasted titanium . Bulgari ’ s BVL 138 movement with a platinum micro-rotor ( visible from the caseback ) powers the watch , offering an impressive 60-hour power reserve . The watch will be sold as a limited edition of 50 pieces via Phillips Watches .
Price : $ 17,000 .
SPRING 2023 | INTERNATIONAL WRISTWATCH | 69