The latest edition of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, unveiled at Dubai Watch Week 2025 in collaboration with Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, is an extraordinary fusion of horological innovation and cultural artistry. This limited edition pushes the boundaries of sleek, architectural elegance that has defined the Octo Finissimo lineage since its inception. It stands as a refined expression of technical mastery paired with the intricate beauty of Arabic calligraphy, laser-engraved across its entire exterior, offering both a striking aesthetic and a tactile experience.
The dial of this special Octo Finissimo features a black backdrop enhanced by the same laser-engraved Arabic calligraphic motifs that echo the artistry found throughout the watch. The layout is minimalist yet powerful, with black hands that maintain the collection’s signature understated elegance. The engraving, inspired by the visionary words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, creates a dialogue between form and meaning, elevating the dial from a mere display surface to a canvas of cultural storytelling. The finish of the dial seamlessly integrates with the sandblasted titanium case, adding depth and texture while preserving legibility and subtle sophistication.
At the heart of the watch beats the automatic BVL 138 calibre, a marvel of ultra-thin movement engineering with a mere 2.23 millimetres thickness made possible by its micro-rotor design. This calibre runs at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a robust 60-hour power reserve, embodying an impressive balance of precision and endurance. The movement’s decoration is impeccable, showcasing traditional haute horlogerie finishes such as hand-applied Côtes de Genève, chamfered edges, and perlage on the mainplate. These meticulous embellishments accentuate the technical prowess of the calibre while honoring the craftsmanship heritage at the core of Bvlgari’s watchmaking philosophy.
The case itself measures 40 millimetres in diameter but retains an ultra-thin profile at just 5.00 millimetres thick, exemplifying Bvlgari’s mastery in delivering mechanical excellence without bulk. Crafted entirely from sandblasted titanium, the case is not only lightweight and durable but also offers a distinctive matte texture that complements the detailed laser engraving. This engraving extends onto the integrated titanium bracelet and folding clasp, ensuring the artistic narrative flows uninterrupted around the wrist. The watch is fitted with a sapphire case back that reveals the decorated movement inside, marked with the limited edition numbering and the artist’s signature, lending an intimate connection between the wearer and the creative origins of this piece. Water resistance is modest at 30 metres, fitting for a timepiece that prioritizes elegance and finesse.
This Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Mattar Bin Lahej edition captures a unique moment where watchmaking meets cultural expression. The synthesis of thin mechanical engineering and intricate calligraphic art pushes the boundaries of what a wristwatch can represent. It honours the Octo Finissimo’s heritage as a technical icon while embracing a fresh, poignant artistic direction that is both contemporary and deeply rooted in regional identity. This limited edition will undoubtedly appeal to collectors who appreciate the profound narrative and the technical artistry embodied in every facet of this extraordinary timepiece. The watch concludes this chapter of Bvlgari’s relentless pursuit of excellence with a clear vision of the future, where design and craftsmanship converge with cultural resonance.
This release at Dubai Watch Week 2025 not only celebrates the innovative spirit of Bvlgari but also marks a meaningful collaboration that goes beyond horology, reflecting the modern world’s merging of tradition, art, and cutting-edge technology. It confirms Bvlgari’s position at the vanguard of modern watchmaking, where elegance is measured in microns and meaning is engraved in every detail.
