In the third episode of Robb Report India’s Icons series, we turn our attention to Bvlgari, a name synonymous with Italian luxury. The Maison's Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic is a marvel of design and technology. This timepiece is a testament to Bvlgari's relentless pursuit of innovation, precision, and refinement.
Roman Precision
Founded in Rome in 1884 by Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, the Maison built its reputation on bold creativity and exquisite craftsmanship. While its legacy began with jewellery, Bvlgari’s foray into haute horlogerie marked a new era wherein Italian design heritage met Swiss watchmaking mastery.
The journey began in 2010 with the Gerald Genta Octo Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon, created in collaboration with the famed Swiss watchmaker himself. Two years later, Bvlgari launched the Octo collection, and by 2014, the Octo Finissimo redefined modern luxury with its ultra-thin architecture. In just a decade, it became one of the most celebrated and record-breaking collections in contemporary watchmaking.
Redefining Refinement
Finissimo, Italian for “superfine," perfectly captures the spirit of this collection. The Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic houses the BVL 138 calibre, an ultra-thin manufacture movement just 2.23 mm thick, offering automatic winding, gold bridges, and a gold-plated platinum off-centred micro-rotor. Beating at 21,600 vibrations per hour with 31 jewels and a 60-hour power reserve, it’s a technical tour de force enclosed in elegance.
Crafted using anthracite-coloured carbon, the 40 mm case measures a mere 6.9 mm in thickness. Its matte finish amplifies the contrast of luminous rose gold details in the crown, hands, and indexes, while the black ceramic insert lends a modern edge. The carbon dial, small seconds counter, and lightweight strap with a triple folding clasp together create a composition that’s both tactile and visually harmonious.
With its transparent case-back, water resistance capacity up to 100 metres, and seamless integration of material innovation and luxury design, the Octo Finissimo CarbonGold Automatic stands at the intersection of strength and refinement. It’s a timepiece that proves true innovation lies not just in engineering, but in the courage to redefine beauty itself. Bold, precise, and unmistakably Roman—this is Bvlgari’s finest expression of modern horology.
Icons on the Wrist is Robb Report India’s video-led series dedicated to the world’s most legendary timepieces—watches that have shaped horological history, defined eras, and continue to inspire collectors today. Each episode puts an icon under the spotlight, revealing the story behind its creation, the innovation it represents, and why it remains a benchmark in fine watchmaking.
