Since its inception in 2014, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo line has propelled the Maison into the realm of serious watchmaking, a rare accomplishment for a brand whose origins are deeply rooted in jewelry making. In just over a decade, the models have gone on to break numerous world records (10 to be exact) and take on countless forms from highly complicated versions to ones that play with a range of materials. Along the way, Bulgari has called upon several artists across various mediums to collaborate on designs, resulting in co-created editions with names like Tadao Ando, Lee Ufan, and Mo Coppoletta. Now, for the first time, Bulgari has looked within the industry to partner with another watchmaker, tapping independent Vianney Halter for the next evolution of the iconic Octo.
Although this recent collaboration hails from the expertise of two watchmakers, other artforms still come into play, namely the element of sculpture. Bulgari has long been vocal about the influences of Roman art, architecture, and design in its creations. Similarly, Vianney Halter draws inspiration from other modalities, which informs the three dimensional and industrial design language that brings a sculptural nature to his timepieces. These shared values and visions align in the new Octo Finissimo Dual Time x Vianney Halter.
When I think of the aesthetic codes of both Bulgari and Vianney Halter, they are bold, clearly defined, and instantly recognizable. At first glance, reading the headline of the press kit, I wondered how these two very distinct and specific styles could work harmoniously without one overshadowing the other or creating too much tension. The result of the Octo Finissimo Dual Time x Vianney Halter is surprisingly cohesive – it clearly upholds each watchmaker’s trademark DNA and creates something unexpected.
Here, the geometric proportions of the Octo Finissimo remain fully present, while Vianney Halter’s influence shines through in the four opaline white dials – the watchmaker’s emblematic color – along with the characteristically shaped hands in blue, a red arrow seconds hand, and a rotor engraved with Vianney Halter’s signature. Designing and making these singular dials came with both artistic and technical challenges, and miniaturizing components necessitated the creation of entirely dedicated manufacturing tools. Despite this complexity, the watch preserves the Octo Finissimo’s signature proportions: a 40.5mm diameter and 9.70mm of thickness.
The Octo Finissimo Dual Time x Vianney Halter is powered by the BVL 138 caliber, upgraded with specific modules developed for this collaboration to integrate GMT, date, and day/night functions. The result is the new BVF 200 caliber, which features automatic winding with a micro-rotor and delivers 60 hours of power reserve.
This collaboration comes in two versions, both limited editions. The first is rendered in brushed titanium, which beautifully highlights the richness of the four opaline dials and creates a crisp, cool look. Limited to 30 pieces, this variation is fittingly paired with a brushed titanium integrated bracelet with deployant clasp. The second iteration comes in polished satin pink gold, bringing a much warmer tone to the design and stronger contrast with the opaline dials. This version swaps the bracelet for a brown alligator strap and is limited to just 15 pieces.
Both models make their grand entrance today. For more information, including pricing, you can head over directly to Bulgari.
