Fingers-On With The New Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph

The Octo Finissimo assortment has been the discuss of the city for the previous few years at Bulgari, and for a lot of causes. Finissimo watches broke a number of thinness information and grabbed public consideration and 4 GPHG prizes, all in a comparatively brief time. Nonetheless, within the phase destined for males, Bulgari affords rather more than ultra-thin, technically superior timepieces that come at a value. Bulgari just lately up to date the Octo Roma household to incorporate a number of new fashions, together with time-and-date references and 4 spectacular tourbillons. My consideration, nonetheless, was drawn to the Octo Roma Chronograph the second I noticed them, and we bonded.

Much less an Octo however Nonetheless an Octo

The Octo is an unmistakable Bulgari creation. It will be unsuitable to attribute the design to Gérald Genta, despite the fact that the affect is current. The Octo was conceived by Bulgari’s design division in 2004 to turn out to be the quintessence of Roman design, to cite Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO, with its distinctive form rooted in historical instances, present in Roman structure and ornamental patterns. The unique Octo case, in itself a murals, was a singular and putting mixture of octagonal and round shapes. The case featured a daring, round bezel that contrasted sharply but complemented the case physique considerably, making a cohesive really feel. The angles and curves of the case have been expertly crafted to create a harmonious and balanced look that exuded sharp sophistication; it had exemplary and attention-grabbing geometry. But, this masterpiece of expertise and excellence was revisited in 2017 with the Octo Roma assortment launch.

The Octo Roma had a distinct attraction; it was a softer, maybe much less flashy, interpretation of the Octo (take a look at the stocky Octo Velocissimo Chronograph) and Octo Finissimo, already within the catalogue since 2014. Regardless of protecting the circle and octagon idea alive and current, the case felt fairly conventional and rounded, with half the sides (58) and with out the razor-sharp look. As our personal managing editor Brice wrote six years in the past, “Whereas a standard Octo makes you are feeling that it is rather happy with its origins, the Roma whispers it, with no ostentation.”

The New Octo Roma Chronograph

As talked about earlier, this yr, the Italian model with Swiss watchmaking expertise launched thoughtfully up to date Octo Roma fashions that can substitute the earlier references. For the primary time, the gathering receives two chronograph variations in stainless-steel, with blue or black dials. The lengthy introduction to Octa Roma was due as a result of, earlier than coming to like the brand new chronograph, I spent a lot time with Bulgari watches with sufficient admiration, however this mannequin related. It’s the one I’m keen to spend cash on. The brand new Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph feels proper, as it is rather nicely designed and what’s additionally essential, the worth is true – lower than 10k, which these days critically limits your alternative of chronographs with an enormous identify on the dial. 

I completely love how the chrono push-pieces are built-in into the case of the Octo Roma Chronograph; if it was not for the difficult dial, one might hardly inform they’re current. The 42mm case has a thickness of 12.4mm, and with the stainless-steel bracelet, it supplies a stable feeling on the wrist, which I like, as that is how we join. The watch is just not heavy, cumbersome, or edgy; it’s a comfy timepiece for any event. The simple bracelet/strap change system makes the Octo Roma Chronograph a very versatile accent.

The brand new Octo Roma dials obtain a fragile Clous de Paris sample, chronographs included, so the sunshine permits for a lot of hues. It’s a pleasure to see how totally different the watch will get to seem with simply little modifications. Talking of modifications – the brand new Octo Roma dials characteristic metallic indexes and palms stuffed with SuperLumiNova; surprisingly, this was not the case with earlier Octo Roma references. Additionally, Bulgari added the crown guards to the case building, which is a plus, and the interchangeability to all its bracelets and straps. 

The subdials are positioned at 3 for the small seconds, at 6 for the chronograph hour and at 9 for chronograph minutes, with the date aperture at 4:30. The black model acquired a tone-on-tone date disc with a white digit, the blue, sadly, has a white background for the date, maybe that is one thing to complain about. Aside from that, each variants are equally interesting.

Inside the brand new Octo Roma Chronograph is the BVL399 automated motion, which is the in-house Solotempo calibre BVL191 with a Dubois-Depraz module, so you’ll not see any distinction do you have to occur to look behind the brand new chronograph and a time-and-date Octo Roma mannequin concurrently (all fashions have a sapphire caseback). The motion will offer you about 42 hours of energy reserve, which is ok, because the Octo Roma Chronograph must be the look ahead to day by day use, together with the weekends.

Ideas, Availability & Worth

General, the Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph is an exquisite timepiece that mixes distinctive design with craftsmanship and good technical prowess, and it’s supplied at a comparatively aggressive value. The brand new chronograph supplies an immediately recognizable design, wonderful high quality and the attract of the model, which is a good mixture. Bulgari definitely is aware of find out how to relate to its prospects personally.

The Octo Roma Chronograph, both in black or blue, is delivered with a tone-on-tone rubber strap and a metal bracelet, each with a well-conceived quick-change system. Will probably be a part of the everlasting assortment as of July 2023, and can be priced at EUR 9,900. For extra particulars, please go to www.bulgari.com.