Quick specs Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon
Price: approx. $ 170,000 | € 164.000 | approx. £ 140,000 | CHF 170’000
Size: 40 mm
Reference: 103986
The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon combines high-end watchmaking and advanced materials in a very slim and lightweight design. This model, introduced in 2018, builds upon Bvlgari’s pursuit of excellence in ultra-thin watches, setting benchmarks in both aesthetics and functionality.
In 2016, the original Minute Repeater stunned the industry with a movement only 3.12 millimeters high. The 2018 Carbon edition retains the same innovative movement while introducing a carbon fiber case that enhances both durability and sound transmission. And now the brand has kind of relaunched the watch, with a slightly different case, keeping the same movement.
Design and Dimensions of this Minute Repeater
The Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon has a diameter of 40 millimeters and a height of just 6.85 millimeters, embodying its ultra-thin ethos. Its case, crafted from Carbon Thin Ply (CTP), comprises layers of carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy resin. This material not only ensures durability but also contributes to the watch’s feather-light weight of 47 grams.
The dial, also carbon, features innovative incisions that replace traditional hour markers. These openings, combined with subsidiary seconds at six o’clock, optimize acoustic performance by amplifying the minute repeater’s chime. The satin-polished rhodium-finished brass hands contrast against the dark dial, ensuring readability.
Functions of the Octo Finissimo
The Octo Finissimo’s functions include hours, minutes, and small seconds, plus a minute repeater. The manual-winding mechanism drives these features, with the gongs for the minute repeater directly attached to the case. Just to enhance sound clarity and volume.
Reading time is intuitive, with clear markers and skeleton hands – again saving weight. The minute repeater is activated via a discrete pusher at the 9 o’clock position, allowing users to enjoy its chiming performance with ease. It chimes the hours, then the quarters, and finally the minutes.
Key features of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon
- Carbon Thin Ply case with acoustic properties
- Ultra-thin case and movement
- Minute repeater with dial openings for acoustic output
- Exhibition case back
Ultra-Thin Caliber BVL362
At the heart of the Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon is the Bvlgari caliber BVL362. Measuring only 3.12 millimeters in height, this manual-winding movement represents Bvlgari’s expertise in ultra-thin watchmaking. It boasts a 42-hour power reserve, ensuring reliable performance for prolonged wear.
Decorated with Côtes de Genève and circular-graining finishes, the movement displays meticulous craftsmanship. Visible through the sapphire crystal case back, these finishes offer a glimpse into the precision of its construction. Bvlgari’s investment in ultra-thin movements has earned industry recognition, further cementing its place among high-mechanical watchmakers. The watch comes with a carbon fiber bracelet.
Price Tag of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon
The price tag of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon is around 160 to 170k, which is way more affordable than most minute repeaters on the market. Often these feature more, like a sonnerie complication as well, however, the price tag of this Bvlgari is quite nice.
A severe competitor is the Chopard L.U.C Strike One, probably already sold out. But with a price of around 60 to 70k it is a great offer for a minute repeater. Compared to the Bvlgari it lacks the ultra-thin construction. Same for the rather unknown Ralph Lauren Minute Repeater, which has a price tag comparable to the Bvlgari.
| Technical data and specifications of the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon |
| Reference number: 103986 |
| Movement: Bvlgari caliber BVL362 | Hand-wound | Diameter: 28.5 mm (12½ lignes) | Thickness: 3.12 mm | Frequency: 21,600 vph (4 Hz) | Jewels: 36 | Hours, minutes, small seconds, minute repeater | Power reserve: 42 hours |
| Case and dial: 40 mm | Carbon (CTP) | Thickness: 6.85 mm | Sapphire crystal | Carbon dial with cut-in hour indexes and small seconds sub dial | Satin-polished rhodium-finish brass hands | White seconds indexes | Satin-polished titanium crown set with black ceramic insert | Satin-polished titanium minute repeater push button | Screwed carbon case back with sapphire crystal | Water resistance: 1 ATM / 1 bar / 10 meters / 35 feet |
| Strap: Carbon bracelet | Integrated folding buckle |
| Price Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater Carbon: approx. $ 170,000 | € 164.000 | approx. £ 140,000 | CHF 170’000 |
| Website: www.bulgari.com |