Perhaps Bulgari’s signature men’s wristwatch, the Octo Finissimo is an ultra-thin wristwatch that has spawned a range of watches and variety of complications, including a perpetual calendar and minute repeater. Now the Italian jeweller marks a decade of its bestseller with a pair of limited editions that pay tribute to the original design – literally.

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic 10th Anniversary and Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic 10th Anniversary both feature “pencil sketch” dials that essentially reproduce the initial drawings of both models penned by Fabrizio Buonamass Stigliani, the design chief at Bulgari’s watch division.

Initial thoughts

The twin anniversary editions are only modest tweaks on the standard design, but accompanied by equally modest price differences, which makes them appealing alternatives for someone who likes the monochromatic look of the standard models but wants a little extra.

The “sketch” dials are clever and amusing, though not entirely new since similar drawing-inspired dials have been done in the past by Nomos and Fortis. Still, they have a whimsical appeal.

Price-wise, the two anniversary editions aren’t much more than the standard models. The automatic is €800 extra, while the chronograph actually costs the same as the standard version.

Being identical to the standard models in size and material, both anniversary editions will feel the same on the wrist, light and sleek.

I find the automatic elegantly thin, but the chronograph slightly too wide. When combined with its thinness, the chronograph’s 42 mm diameter brings to mind a biscuit.

Ultra thin

As with the standard models, the “pencil sketch” dials are sandblasted titanium, giving them a finely grained, matte finish. They are then printed with lines in black and grey that reproduce Mr Buonamassa’s drawings. The hands remain the same black-coated examples found on the standard models.

Dials aside, both watches are identical to the standard version. They share the same material, dimensions, and movements. The cases and bracelets are sandblasted titanium, while the crowns are topped with a black ceramic insert.

The BVL 318 movement in the chronograph is notable for having an unusual peripheral winding mechanism, though I imagine its slimness and construction means the movement overall is not quite as robust or efficient as most chronograph calibres.

The 5.15 mm case of the automatic

The only extra is the anniversary printing on the underside of the crystal on the back. Fortunately the printing is arranged in a semicircle on the edge of the crystal, so it isn’t overly obtrusive.

The BVL 318 in the chronograph

Key facts and price

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic 10th Anniversary
Ref. 103672

Diameter: 40 mm
Height: 5.15 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: BVL 138
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 65 hours

Strap: Titanium bracelet

Limited edition: 200 pieces
Availability: From Bulgari online shops, boutiques, and retailers
Price: €15,600

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic 10th Anniversary
Ref. 103673

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 6.9 mm
Material: Titanium
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: BVL 318
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, GMT, and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 55 hours

Strap: Titanium bracelet

Limited edition: 200 pieces
Availability: From Bulgari online shops, boutiques, and retailers
Price: €18,200

For more, visit bulgari.com.