Manufacturer: Bulgari
Year: 2019
Reference No: 103245
Case No: PO5129
Model Name: Octo Finissimo - Tadao Ando Edition
Material: Titanium
Calibre: Automatic, cal. BVL 138, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Titanium Bulgari bracelet, max length 210mm
Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Bulgari deployant clasp
Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Accessories: Accompanied by Bulgari warranty dated December 8, 2019, presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
It is incredible how swiftly Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo has become a major player in the luxury sports watch market. Launched only in 2017 (but based on Gerald Genta’s designs from the 1980s) the Octo Finissimo’s sleek taught lines, powerful appearance and ultra slim case have become immediately identifiable and a favorite amongst collectors.

The Octo Finissimo is houses the Bulgari caliber BVL 138 which is one of the world’s slimmest automatic movements only 2.23mm thick but with an impressive 60-hour power reserve. The case its self is a mere 5.15 mm thick.

The present example in titanium is a limited edition of only 200 pieces whose dial was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Ando is considered a national treasure in Japan and is renowned for his work with concrete and light, his œuvre has received international recognition, including the UIA Gold Medal in 2005 and the Pritzker Prize in 1995 Ando’s notable works include the Church of the Light in Osaka; 21_21 Design Sight, a design museum in Tokyo; and most recently a lavender-planted hilltop shrine containing a giant Buddha in Hokkaido.

With the present Octo Finissimo, Tadao Ando has applied his three dimensional vision on a two dimensional surface by creating a spiral motif that starts around the seconds hand and moves outwards giving the effect of small ripples on a calm pond.

Available only in Japan, the present model offers the collector of modern icons a wonderful opportunity to own a watch that beautifully blends architecture and watchmaking.
Artist Biography
Bulgari
Italian
Originally from Kalarites, Greece, Sotirios Voulgaris emigrated to Rome because of Greece's rising poverty and difficulty separating from the Ottoman Empire. He set foot on Italian soil in 1880 with little money in his pocket and spent the next four years preparing what would go on to become Italy's oldest jewelry company.
In 1884, Bulgari opened its doors to the Italian people with its offering of jewelry and accessories. Bulgari's style takes from traditions in Greek and Roman craftsmanship to elegantly balance volume and subtlety. Later, in the late 1960s, Bulgari bridged classicism and modernity by introducing its seductive, now-iconic Serpenti collection of snake-shaped coil bracelets and watches. It is through its meticulous combination of influences that Bulgari has garnered an international and loyal high-profile clientele, which included Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. These Hollywood stars have immortalized the house's unique gem-adorned bracelets, necklaces and earrings in rounded forms.
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