Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black DLC Titanium
The Octo Finissimo collection has become one of Bulgari’s defining achievements in contemporary watchmaking. Since its debut in 2014, the line has accumulated multiple world records for thinness, including the slimmest automatic watch, the slimmest tourbillon, the slimmest minute repeater and the slimmest automatic chronograph. Each successive release has reinforced Bulgari’s reputation as a pioneer in ultra-thin horology.
The importance of the Octo Finissimo extends beyond records. The design combines Italian architectural flair with Swiss mechanical precision, creating an aesthetic that is instantly recognisable and uniquely contemporary. With its sharply defined octagonal case and minimalist dial, the collection has become a reference point for modern luxury watch design.
The latest addition, the Octo Finissimo Automatic Black DLC Titanium, reinterprets this legacy with a focus on monochrome purity. Black has long carried connotations of strength, versatility and understated refinement. In recent seasons it has returned to prominence in men’s fashion, making Bulgari’s decision to release a full-black execution both timely and culturally resonant.
Source: monochrome-watches.com
Case and Proportions
The case is made of sandblasted titanium with a black DLC coating. Measuring 40 mm across and just 5 mm thick, it maintains the impossibly slim profile that has been the hallmark of the series. The use of titanium ensures lightness on the wrist, while the black finish enhances the impression of thinness.
Despite its refined appearance, the watch retains practical features such as 30-metre water resistance and a sapphire crystal on both front and back. The crown is set with a black ceramic cabochon, adding a discreet decorative element.
Dial and Legibility
The dial is finished in matte black, with glossy black indices and hands creating subtle contrasts. The reflective effect ensures readability in bright conditions, though the absence of luminous material limits its use in the dark. This choice reflects the model’s emphasis on visual impact and elegance rather than strict functionality.
Movement: BVL 138
Inside the watch beats the calibre BVL 138, one of the thinnest automatic movements in serial production. Measuring only 2.23 mm in height, it achieves its efficiency through the use of a platinum micro-rotor. This compact winding system reduces thickness while maintaining sufficient inertia for consistent performance.
The movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides a 60-hour power reserve. Decoration includes Geneva stripes, circular graining and polished bevels, visible through the sapphire caseback. The BVL 138 has become a cornerstone of the Octo Finissimo line, used across several models thanks to its reliability and refined execution.
Strap and Wearing Experience
The watch is delivered on a black rubber strap with a textured surface that gives the appearance of fabric. It is secured with a DLC-coated titanium pin buckle. The combination of lightweight titanium case, ultra-thin movement and supple strap ensures exceptional comfort, allowing the watch to sit almost imperceptibly on the wrist.
Position Within the Collection
When the Octo Finissimo Automatic first appeared in 2017, its sandblasted titanium finish set a new benchmark for modern minimalism. Since then Bulgari has broadened the family with models in steel, gold, platinum, ceramic and tantalum, as well as with coloured lacquered dials. Alongside complications such as tourbillon, minute repeater and chronograph, the line has proven Bulgari’s ability to innovate across multiple technical and aesthetic domains.
The new Black DLC Titanium continues this trajectory, offering a more dramatic interpretation that aligns with current trends while remaining firmly within the DNA of the Octo Finissimo.
Bulgari and the Ultra-Thin Segment
In less than a decade Bulgari has transformed from a jewellery house known for elegant design into a central figure in high-end horology. By challenging established specialists in ultra-thin watchmaking, such as Piaget, Bulgari has shifted industry perceptions. The Octo Finissimo family has not only expanded the brand’s credibility but also redefined what contemporary ultra-thin watches can look like.
Price and Market Positioning
The retail price of approximately €17,000 including taxes places the model among the upper tier of the Octo Finissimo collection. This reflects both the technical achievement of the BVL 138 calibre and the enduring desirability of black DLC executions in luxury watchmaking.
Conclusion
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Black DLC Titanium demonstrates how innovation and design can be seamlessly combined. By integrating one of the world’s thinnest automatic movements into a bold monochromatic execution, Bulgari has reaffirmed the Octo Finissimo as both a technical benchmark and a style icon. The watch captures the essence of modern luxury: precision, refinement and unmistakable presence on the wrist.
