When the Bulgari group bought out both Gerald Genta and Daniel Roth, the Italian watch and jewelry giant started incorporating their award winning designs under the Bulgari brand. Bulgari was first introduced to the world in 1884 and since then has grown to become one of the most respected and popular brands on the market today. This was due, in large part, to the unique and progressive designs that have relentlessly wowed their adoring fan base.
The Octo watch concept was first launched by watchmaking legend Gerald Genta which was slightly reminiscent of the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet, also designed by Gerald Genta in 1972. The case comes in either polished 18kt pink gold or stainless steel and carries dimensions of 41.5mm for the width and 47.4mm for the length. The watch is relatively thin for an automatic with a case height of just 10.55mm.
Though the case is octagonal, the bezel is perfectly round and is brushed for contrast. The textured main crown is adorned with black ceramic. Both versions come with a black alligator leather strap, which is secured using a folding clasp made from material complementing the dial.
Driving the Octo watch is a self-winding mechanical in house movement caliber BVL193. This movement features a balance wheel that vibrates at 28,800 alternations per hour. Twin barrels store the energy and offer a total of 50 hours of power reserve. This highly decorated movement can be viewed through the exhibition case back made from sapphire crystal.
The dial is black and features applied indexes, and Arabic numerals at 12 and 6. In the steel version the hour markers are rhodium toned, whereas in the pink edition the markers are pink gold plated. The hands are skeletonized for a more sophisticated look, and there is a date aperture at 3 o’clock position. The Bulgari Octo Watch is water resistant to 100 meters.
Dan Sweet
Beautiful.