nnovation. Creativity. Free-spiritedness. A taste for the unexpected, for non-conformism, for the pleasure of surprising, of evoking different, unique emotions. In the knowledge that partnership, always in deep mutual respect, makes the possibilities even more exciting, more enriching. These are the shared values that brought Bulgari and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo together to create an original and different interpretation of the already-fabled Octo Finissimo watch.

For 10 years now, the Octo has been making its mark on the world of Haute Horlogerie with its horological prowess, its many technical records, its iconic shape and its unmistakable monochromatic style. Pure, contemporary – the model perfectly embodies the duality in Bulgari watches: Italian flair and Swiss watchmaking savoir-faire.

To celebrate this icon of finesse and style, the teams at Bulgari and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo worked in close concert to create a special edition of the Octo that, in its own way, returns to the roots of its design.

Geometric precision in homage both to Bulgari’s heritage rooted in the Roman spirit and to the great Italian architects and designers of the 20th century; graphic balance dominated by a ‘reflective’ symmetry around the central axis; contrasting shapes created by the circles engraved in the octagon; spatial volumes revealed by the unique matte sandblasted titanium finish; and, for the first time, to sublimate a form of minimalism whose apparent simplicity testifies to a meticulous care for the detail, a small seconds counter absent at 7 o’clock, where the BVL 138 calibre would usually display one on the Octo collection…

This piece is the fruit of an intense and shared passion of individuals who, each in their own field, have accumulated a very broad and deep knowledge of the art of watchmaking.

Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant, Bacs & Russo and Alexandre Ghotbi, Head of Watches, Continental Europe & Middle East, jointly said: “The Octo Finissimo has become a true icon over the course of only a few years, and to be able to design a piece for Phillips Watches was both a pleasure and an honour. We played creative ping-pong with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani in suggesting different materials and dial finishes, but we quickly realised that the slimness of the watch limited our possibilities... and at the same time it increased the challenge of creating an eye-catching dial. 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. 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 colour sways from black to grey to bronze, depending on the lighting.”

Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Product Creation Executive Director, Bulgari Watches, added: “This watch was born out of the meeting of true watchmaking enthusiasts. While the design of the Octo represents an iconic signature, the creative process initiated with Aurel Bacs and Alexandre Ghotbi has undoubtedly increased our passion and inspiration tenfold. This watch symbolises the link between Phillips, the world of collectors’ watches, and the design codes of Bulgari, which are resolutely turned towards innovation and the future. We shared an exciting stylistic adventure, which I experienced with great enthusiasm and pleasure.”

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Movement Extra-flat mechanical self-winding movement, platinum micro-rotor, Calibre BVL 138 (2.23 mm thick); 60-hour power reserve; frequency 21,600 vph (3 Hz).

Case and Dial Sand-blasted titanium case, 40 mm, transparent case back with special engraving on the sapphire crystal on the reverse side; laser-engraved sand-blasted titanium dial; water-resistant to 3 ATM.

Bracelet Sandblasted titanium bracelet with integrated folding clasp.

Limited edition of 50 pieces sold via Phillips Watches