Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic In Polished Ceramic
Purists take cover. The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic in polished ceramic cares not for your feelings. It is here to be heard, so there’s no point ignoring what it has to say.
External ceramic components used to raise eyebrows. These days, any brand not exploring the possibilities of this fascinating material could be accused of sticking its head in the sand. Sure, it is highly unlikely that ceramic, however versatile and beautiful it is, will ever take the place of steel (or even titanium) as the “ideal” watch case material, but it certainly has a lot going for it in both the aesthetic and technical fields.
A storm is coming
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is one of the greatest watches released since the turn of the century. It is a modern classic. The ultra-slim profile beggars belief. The off-center oscillating mass is a thing of beauty. Simply put, the whole thing hangs together like a dream. but with the 2020 release of the Octo Finissimo Automatic in polished ceramic, that dream is taking a dark turn. Yes, that’s right, a storm is coming. And it’s got your wrist in its sights…
…it is jam-packed full of serious horological credentials.
Last year, Bvlgari released the Octo Finissimo in mat black ceramic. It was a cool, brooding affair that looked at home alongside casual or formalwear. This year’s release has a far more professional character. The polished surfaces make this a mature watch for the serious businessman looking to make an impression. As we dash towards the backend of an era replete with “suits” pairing their Submariners with Armani, the polished ceramic iteration provide’s a big boy alternative to that culture. It is slim. It is refined. And it is jam-packed full of serious horological credentials.
A talented family
This watch is a big deal. It is carving a legacy for itself right before our eyes. Last week, RJ covered this same watch in steel and talked about the way different materials can provide a totally different wearing experience. He even went as far as to suggest wearing this piece in 2020 might actually feel a lot like wearing a Royal Oak in 1972 might have felt. To be in the presence of greatness is one thing. To have it strapped to your wrist? That’s something else entirely.
It is incredibly comfortable.
Every one of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic watches is a treat to behold. They look especially handsome on the bracelets, and the polished black ceramic version is no exception. In fact, of all of the models, this bracelet might be my favorite. It is incredibly comfortable. Ceramic is thermally conductive, making it feel instantly at home on the wrist. Also, one of my gripes with bracelets is always how many micro scratches they pick up. Here, with the highly scratch-resistant ceramic material, that is not so much a problem.
A modern classic
In my mind, there is no doubt this family is the modern classic. It is the design I expect to define Bvlgari and its output for the next couple of decades. And I’m really happy about it. I’m not sure if the black polished ceramic can beat out the media-blasted titanium one for my hard-earned cash, but it certainly brings another dimension to the table. And its a dimension I’m very glad to see. Learn more here.
