Bvlgari Releases Smaller Version of Octo Finissimo Watch

After years of waiting, Bvlgari has finally released a smaller version of its ultra-thin watch, the Octo Finissimo. The new 37-mm size is a welcome change for those who found the original 40-mm model too large for their wrists.

The brand's product creation executive director and design director, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, has been the target of repeated requests from enthusiasts like me to create a smaller version. He has always maintained that the demand was not just driven by the trend towards smaller watches, but also by the need for a more wearable size in this iconic model.

The Octo Finissimo is an award-winning watch with 10 world records under its belt since its debut in 2014. It's considered an icon of modern watchmaking, and its lack of a Goldilocks-size version was seen as glaring. The original Automatic model followed soon after, but it wasn't until now that Bvlgari has filled this gap.

The new 37-mm size is particularly important for the OF's unique shape, which is sure to please those who have been waiting patiently. With three versions available - in matte sandblasted titanium, brushed and polished titanium, and yellow gold - collectors can finally get their hands on a more wearable Octo Finissimo.

Bvlgari has rewarded my patience with this long-awaited release, but the question remains: is it worth the wait?

The OF37's sandblasted titanium case is a masterclass in understated elegance, effortlessly blending futuristic flair with the rugged functionality of a classic tool watch.

Wearing the OF37 on my wrist was a revelation - its unique design and construction set it apart from any other timepiece I've ever owned. The experience was both exhilarating and humbling, as if I'd stepped out of my comfort zone into uncharted territory.

My trusty Rolex Submariner has been my constant companion for nearly two decades, but donning the OF37 felt like a bold departure from the norm. Its sleek, matte finish is mesmerizing, shifting subtly in hue depending on the surrounding light - it's a visual effect that's both captivating and disorienting.

As someone who's accustomed to subjecting his timepieces to rough handling, I was pleasantly surprised by the OF37's resilience. Despite its delicate appearance, this watch seems capable of withstanding even the most rigorous treatment without sustaining any damage.

The OF37's design has undergone significant refinement over the years, incorporating feedback from clients and collectors alike. Buonamassa Stigliani acknowledges that a watch's proportions are crucial to its overall appeal, stating that it should be framed by one's wrist rather than sitting tightly against it.

To achieve this balance, Bvlgari explored various case sizes, ultimately settling on 36, 37, 38, and 39 millimeters. The condensed size of the OF37 has proven particularly effective in creating a comfortable fit without sacrificing style or elegance.

One aspect that sets the OF37 apart from other modern watches is its use of three hands to tell the time. While it shares some aesthetic similarities with other luxury timepieces, such as eight-sided bezels, its overall design is distinct and unlike anything else on the market.

The OF37's slender profile allows it to sit comfortably against the wrist without appearing too large or imposing. This subtle yet significant detail contributes to the watch's understated yet sophisticated charm, making it an attractive choice for those who value both style and practicality.

The Octagon-Inspired Design of Bvlgari's OF37 Watch

The unique design of the OF37 watch is a testament to its innovative architecture, which features an octagon within a circle within a square.

This intricate pattern is a nod to ancient Roman architecture and Italian design, blending seamlessly with the brand's own jewelry aesthetic.

The angular look of the watch gives it a sculptural quality that sets it apart from traditional wristwatches, making it a true work of art on the wrist.

The octagonal shape is cleverly integrated into the overall design, creating a sense of balance and harmony.

The OF37's design is also influenced by automotive motifs, reflecting Buonamassa Stigliani's passion for cars.

The watch's movement is a significant aspect of its design, with the brand-new Bvlgari BVF 100 mechanism at its core.

This innovative movement features a platinum micro-rotor that is activated by the wearer's wrist motion, automatically winding the watch and ensuring precise timekeeping.

The OF37's case is surprisingly thin, measuring just 15mm in height despite its smaller diameter.

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic (OF37) has a price tag that's hard to ignore, with a list price of $16,600 for the sandblasted titanium version, and even higher for other materials.

While it may not be an entry-level watch, the OF37 seems to be designed for those who have already mastered the art of watch collecting. Its sleek design often catches the eye in reflective surfaces, such as car windows or bathroom mirrors.

Ultimately, the OF37 defies categorization, refusing to fit neatly into traditional watch categories like everyday wear, dress watches, or high-end collector's pieces.