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Bulgari presents the new Octo Roma

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April 2023


Bulgari presents the new Octo Roma

With Octo Roma, Bulgari is redefining the octagonal style. This new collection is a symbol of elegance that elevates the octagonal watch to a new level of modern sophistication. Its unique and round-but-not-round shape is a nod to Bulgari’s Roman roots and rich heritage.

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irst introduced in 2012, Octo has had a considerable impact on the watchmaking communities over the last decade. It has become synonymous with a profoundly innovative and powerful Italian-style design that enriches Swiss watchmaking art – and with Bulgari’s uncanny ability to renew and reinvigorate its hallmark aesthetic.

The new Octo Roma collection is characterized by its versatility, sophistication, and elegance. It appeals to a self-confident individual with a refined sense of style; one who demands a statement timepiece that offers a range of options, from a gorgeous automatic watch to a stunning chronograph to a mesmerizing tourbillon piece. With its distinctive daring design, the Octo Roma exemplifies Bulgari’s capacity for innovation and its contribution to Swiss watchmaking with its signature Italian flair.

The Octo Roma collection embodies a contemporary style that makes a lasting impression, showcasing the brand’s rich Roman roots and paying tribute to an architectural heritage and watchmaking craftsmanship. The octagonal shape of the case pays homage to the brand’s historical connection to the Eternal City. The intricate Clous de Paris motif on the dial of the automatic and chronograph models honours Swiss Haute Horlogerie.

Octo Roma’s distinctive, non-circular design combines powerful style, versatility in wearability and that unmistakable touch of Italian allure. The Octo Roma automatic and chronograph models come equipped with a convenient tool-free interchangeable wristband system, offering the freedom to switch looks whenever desired. The crown is seamlessly incorporated into the case of these two models and safeguarded by crown protectors – each watch is also water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. The case design juxtaposes round and octagonal shapes, creating an intricate interplay of textures, of light and shadow.

Bulgari presents the new Octo Roma

Octo Roma embodies an unconventional take on classic Haute Horlogerie with its array of complications and fine craftsmanship. The Octo Roma Chronograph is the first in the collection, powered by the Calibre BVL 399, a Swiss-made in-house mechanical movement. The Octo Roma Tourbillons represent the perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking excellence and Roman creativity, with each timepiece exhibiting a singular blend of technical precision and artistic vision.

With Octo Roma, Bulgari is redefining the octagonal style. This new collection is a symbol of elegance that elevates the octagonal watch to a new level of modern sophistication. Its unique and round-but-not-round shape is a nod to Bulgari’s Roman roots and rich heritage.

The octagonal shape has a rich history in Italian architecture, appearing in iconic structures such as the Pantheon and the works of Leonardo da Vinci; in particular, the eight-sided geometry characterizes the vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius, built in the 4th century on one of Rome’s most important architectural sites.

This design element also shines through in Bulgari’s historical jewellery, the Monete collection, further solidifying the brand’s connection to its Roman heritage. Likewise, it is echoed in the iconic Parentesi modular collection and the sumptuous volumes and chains of the pendants from the 1970s, where geometries come alive and gain a vibrancy all their own through the interplay of colours and gold. And it has come to define the Bulgari Octo Finissimo collection.

By combining ancient inspiration with contemporary innovation, Octo Roma celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Italy while embodying the stylish elegance that has made Bulgari a leading name in the world of luxury watchmaking. The extreme sophistication of various finishes with circular and octagonal shapes playing off each other sets Octo Roma apart, merging heritage, architecture, and fine watchmaking.

The Italian flair of Bulgari Horlogerie becomes evident in Octo Roma’s every detail, from its fine craftsmanship to its sleek lines – not least it its perfectly dimensioned case.

Octo Roma captivates with a subtle and refined case design, combining a round effect with an octagonal frame. This remarkable visual impact is achieved through an intricate combination of two distinct geometric shapes in the case design. The satin-brushed upper round bezel is contrasted by a polished lower octagonal bezel part, creating an eye-catching, “classic-yet-not-quite” aesthetic with a bold personality. The inner octagonal ring amplifies the design impact, with the dial taking on an octagonal shape. Completing the well-balanced and highly sophisticated look are the faceted lugs. The Octo Roma collection exudes power through its meticulously designed details, elevating the watch to a statement piece that showcases Bulgari’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality.

Another of Octo Roma’s notable features is the smooth integration of the crown with crown protectors. The crown is integrated into the case design in such a way that it seamlessly blends in, giving the watch a streamlined appearance. The crown protectors on either side of the crown not only add to the watch’s overall aesthetic but also serve a functional purpose. They protect the crown from potential damage for years to come. The case’s robust construction, along with a screw-down crown, ensure the watch is water resistant to a depth of 100 meters.

The new Octo Roma models come equipped with an interchangeable wristband, affording the wearer even greater freedom and versatility. Bulgari watchmakers have taken care to ensure that the interchangeability system is perfectly integrated in the case. It is therefore placed on the reverse side in the form of a pusher integrated with the mass of the case, between the lugs. Particularly secure, the system requires no special tool; a simple click is enough to change the strap in a few seconds. Bulgari will deliver two wristbands at the time of purchase: a stainless-steel bracelet and a rubber strap, giving the freedom to switch looks whenever desired. Additional straps in rubber and alligator leather of various colours are available for purchase separately. This variety of materials and shades is in line with the philosophy behind the new Octo Roma, a versatile and customizable timepiece, that reflects one’s individual style and personality.

Bulgari presents the new Octo Roma

The 41mm automatic mechanical version with three hands and date is powered by the in-house Calibre BVL 191 featuring a power reserve of 42 hours. The dial is both easy to read and visually appealing, while its finish adds a touch of sophistication with a Clous de Paris motif. Thanks to this pattern that forms a series of small pyramids, the watch adopts a historical Swiss Haute Horlogerie motif and integrates it within the heart of the Italian-style design. The pattern plays with the light, adding substance and richness to the piece.

The model comes in three dial colour variations enhanced by the 3D effect of the Clous de Paris technique – blue, anthracite and white, providing ample options to choose from depending on personal style and preference. The blue dial embodies a classic and timeless allure, while the white dial commands attention with its bold and unexpected presence. On the other hand, the anthracite dial is ideal for those who seek sophistication and refinement. The emphasis on the dial is all about legibility: the hands are enhanced with Super-LumiNova® – as indeed are all the hour markers and Octo Roma’s Arabic numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock.

Here again, Bulgari has been careful to preserve Octo Roma’s emblematic aesthetic. The right balance and sense of proportion, both essential attributes of Italian architecture remain at the core of Bulgari’s concerns.

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