Haute Complication: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic Carbon

In 2018 Bulgari smashed all thinness records with the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic. In one sweep it became not only the world’s thinnest tourbillon but also the world’s thinnest automatic tourbillon. That’s not all, because perhaps its greatest accomplishment is that it also became the world’s thinnest automatic watch. Up until now, this last record was usually held by watches that featured no additional complications, such as a tourbillon, because they tend to add to the height of a movement.

The movement that makes this all possible is caliber BVL 288, a 1.95mm thick masterpiece that combines a peripheral rotor with a flying tourbillon. However, although important, this is only part of the equation, as Bulgari has been able to add only a mere 2mm to this height for the case and sapphire crystal, making its overall thickness 3.95mm. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic was introduced in sandblasted titanium, but this year a version crafted from multi-layer CTP Carbon fibre case joined the collection. It is interesting to note that this new version is in fact with a height of 5.38mm thicker than the original version. The reason for this is not only the carbon case but also because Bulgari installed a sapphire crystal caseback which allows you to see the movement also in full from the back.

When it comes to carbon, Bulgari goes all in, crafting not only the case of the Octo Finissimo of this material but the bracelet as well. This most certainly adds to the experience when wearing the watch. The bracelet design is already superb on this Bulgari, but the carbon adds an extra dimension because of the lack of weight. You are feeling the bracelet closely following the shape of your wrist, but at the same time, you are not feeling it at all. Of course, the fact that the watch itself also weighs nearly nothing adds to this experience as well, as all combined the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic Carbon doesn’t tip the scale passed 48 grams.

While the sandblasted titanium of the first edition gave the watch a very high-tech look, the texture of the multi-layer CTP Carbon fibre has an equally pleasing look, even further amplifying the fact that this watch is truly something special.