The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Blue Dial In Steel Ref 103431

Bvlgari is on a roll with its Octo Finissimo! The Octo Finissimo collection receives a blue dial version as well, in satin-polished stainless steel.

I recently shared my experience of wearing the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in satin-polished steel (here). As I commented, I believe it is one of the coolest luxury sports watches available at this moment. For me, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in steel is the one to buy and I even prefer it over some other hyped Gérald Genta designs out there. And that comes from deep down inside my soul, as I am a big fan of the Royal Oak and Nautilus.

But which one to buy? The choice just got a lot harder. Enter the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in satin-polished steel with a blue dial. I am a sucker for blue. My cars are blue. A lot of my clothing is blue. And, I must admit, I don’t take much convincing when it comes to blue dials either…

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Blue Dial

Normally, I end my articles with the price, but let me state it right here: €11,800. That’s a lot of money, but I can’t think of anything that would justify a lower price. The in-house developed and produced caliber BVL138 with platinum micro-rotor is a stunner. The finishing on the case and bracelet is breathtaking, and the size — 40mm — is spot-on. Bvlgari is not joking around and prooves that a watch like this doesn’t have to be in the 20 or 30k range.

Blue Lacquered Dial

What I wrote in my hands-on review on the black dial version, also applies to this blue dial reference 103431. The thickness of the case (6.4mm) is perfect. In real life, it looks super-thin. I don’t need a watch to go thinner, otherwise, I might start getting nervous about its structural integrity.

A black dial might be more versatile, but a blue dial makes it more sporty.

The new dial has really thrown me for a loop. After reviewing the black dial, I was pretty certain nothing would knock that model off my wishlist. But the way Bvlgari has gone about creating this blue lacquered dial has really turned my head. A black dial might be more versatile, but a blue dial makes it more sporty. The blue lacquered dial has a sunburst finish, as you can see in the pictures. That’s a nice flash of elegance that shouldn’t be underestimated when paired with the satin-brushed case.

No doubts

Now, the problem I have is making a proper choice. Not too long ago, my friend and Cartier expert George Cramer contacted me with the question which Octo Finissimo I liked best. He bought his Octo Finissimo in titanium with Arabic numerals earlier this year, and it has become one of his favorite watches.

It is just a matter of when…

Titanium is not for me, so it boils down to the satin-polished steel and the gold version (sandblasted). With the addition of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Blue dial reference 103431, I think it has just become a little bit easier. The interesting thing is, with the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo, that I am not even in doubt to buy one at some point. It is just a matter of when and which.

100 Meters

Being a luxury sports watch, Bvlgari made sure their Octo Finissimo Blue dial is also water-resistant up to 100 meters. The screw-down crown ensures it can be taken into the water without any issues. The crown is interesting in regards to its shape and (polished) finish, but also because it has been set with ceramic.

No Date

One of the things I like best in watches like these watches is the fact that Bvlgari resisted the temptation to lever a date display into the design. I don’t need a date on a watch. When I wake up, I see today’s date on my iPhone and am smart enough to remember it for the rest of the day.

…hustling for funds…

A constant reminder of today’s date is not only unnecessary for me, but it also would disturb an otherwise perfectly designed dial. I am sure there are as many on the other side of the date fence, but I am happy they decided to leave it off. I can’t wait to try the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Blue dial on the wrist. If it’s as good on the wrist as it looks like it will be from the pictures we received from Bvlgari, I am afraid the hustling for funds might have to begin. More information via Bvlgari online. Or check our other Bvlgari (hands-on) articles.