The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Watch In Gold — Endgame?

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch is the darling of many watch journalists. Not only because of its thin case or the micro-rotor movement but also because Bvlgari is doing some different from the other luxury brands. The design of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is attractive and somewhat “off-the-wall”. A lot of brands are on the re-edition train, but not Bvlgari.

Last month, we reviewed the stainless steel version and I explained why I think it is so great. Also compared to the other luxury steel “sports” watches out there from established brands, the Bvlgari Octo Finissmo watch stands out for me. The watch I have here today is the rose gold Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch. On a leather strap. I am not sure if I would classify this watch as a dress watch, but due to its thinness you can definitely get away with it.

Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch in rose gold

I am a sucker for gold watches these days. The color is warm and rose gold has an especially nice tone. Then there’s the weight of the watch. I prefer the weight of gold over steel and definitely over titanium. With a watch that is this slim to begin with, the material adds some welcome heft to the wrist experience.

I also get that gold is not for everyone. A lot of people aren’t ready for it or don’t think it is worth the extra money. If you are or think you are, starting out with a gold watch on a strap is a very good idea. An all-gold watch, like Bvlgari’s Octo Finissmo reference 102912 might be a bit too much. But put it on a strap, like this rose gold Octo Finissmo reference 103286 and you’re good to go.

On the wrist

On the iPhone picture I took, the watch looks a bit yellow-ish. This is due to the camera and the light conditions inside my office. But it is very much rose gold in the flesh. It is easy on my type of skin, as yellow gold is often too “hard” for me. The specifications of this Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch in rose gold are the same as the previous reviewed polished steel version and the black ceramic version.

…the Octo Finissmo wears slightly differently than it does on the bracelet.

The watch has a thickness of 6.4mm, which is identical to the other two new Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watches that were introduced earlier this year. The diameter of the case is 40mm, but it wears slightly bigger because of the lugs. With a strap, the Octo Finissmo wears slightly differently than it does on the bracelet. However, it is very comfortable. I love Bvlgari’s bracelet design, also in gold, but it adds a huge amount to the cost. If you’re on the fence about the outlay, or maybe want to dip your toe in the golden waters, taking on a strap is a no-brainer. Oh, and take a look at the ceramic-topped crown. Simply beautiful!

Finishing

One of the things that I love about this Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch in rose gold, is the finishing on the bezel and case. It has small polished surfaces and (larger) sandblasted surfaces to admire. Gold watches quickly become “loud” when there are too many polished surfaces. Brushed or sandblasted surfaces tone it down a notch.

…there’s a lot of Gérald Genta in here.

The case band has a vertical brush and the same applies to the bezel. Normally bezels have this round brush finish, but not here. An interesting design choice. On the outside of the dial, you will find the octagonal-shaped rehaut, with a sandblasted finish. As written in previous Octo Finissimo articles, there’s a lot of Gérald Genta in here. The dial has the same finish as the others, but with gold applied indices and gold hands instead.

Caliber BVL138

The Bvlgari caliber BVL138 is a feast for the eyes, so I am happy there’s a sapphire crystal on the back too. It has a platinum micro-rotor placed in an off-center position and measures only in 2.23mm in thickness. The diameter of the movement is 36.60mm which gives the large case back aperture a proper function. There’s a lot to admire! A beautifully sleek balance wheel bridge, Côte de Geneve decoration on the bridges, perlage on the main plate, and no less than 36 jewels. The BVL138 movement ticks at 21,600vph and has a very impressive power reserve of 60 hours.

Alligator strap and a gold pin buckle

This Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch in gold comes on a black alligator strap with a gold pin buckle. I don’t mind a folding clasp, but they tend to get a bit thick. When your watch is just over 6mm thick — or thin — it looks a bit awkward. So I fancy the pin buckle on this watch, which also comes in rose gold. The strap is relatively flat and very comfortable on the wrist. Of course, it is signed “Bvlgari”.

Some Thoughts on the Octo Finissimo watch in gold

There isn’t much I don’t like about the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo. I’m not sure whether I would go after a steel one with a bracelet or this gold one with a strap. I really adore the integrated bracelet, as it is really well designed. Designing a bracelet for a watch is very difficult, especially if you want to come up with something original.

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo watch in gold, though, becomes a bit weighty on a gold bracelet. I do like it, but I also like the more understated alligator strap. It also heavily depends on the style you are after. This rose gold version on a classy alligator strap with a gold pin buckle is simply elegant.

The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo in rose gold on a leather strap is a great pick if you’re after an elegant watch, that is not too dressy or too classic. I don’t mind a nice round classic watch in gold, but with this, you will steal the show for sure. You can also get away with it wearing casual attire. Or perhaps a better way to put it is that you can use this as an — almost  — everyday watch.

More information on Bvlgari in this section on Fratello. The specifications of this watch can be found in the table below.