Bulgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic
When it comes to making the thinnest watch possible, it seems like Bulgari has been untouchable the past few years. It started with the thinnest tourbillon, then came the thinnest minute repeater, then the thinnest automatic movement and, now, it has come full circle back to the thinnest automatic-winding tourbillon watch with the new Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic.
The trick in getting the oscillating weight for the automatic winding into a case that is only 3.95mm thin lies in the innovative peripheral oscillating weight positioned on the back of the movement. This weight is made from white gold and aluminium, ensuring a contrast in density and thus, enabling it to oscillate fairly regularly. In order to get a flying tourbillon to sit within a movement that is only 1.95mm thick, Bulgari also employed a ball bearing system.
Then, this Calibre BVL 288 Finissimo movement is protected by a sandblasted titanium case, with no dial present, thus revealing the minute intricacies of this ultra-thin movement. In order to preserve the functionality of the watch and maintain its ultra-thin demeanor, there is no see-through caseback but, rather, just a small opening on the back of the watch, depicting the stylised motif adorning the entrance of the Bulgari boutique on the Via Condotti in Rome, to admire both the tourbillon and oscilating weight in action.
