Bvlgari Octo

Octo is a line of wristwatches from Bvlgari recognised by its case: an octagon set into a round bezel, with satin-brushed facets alternating with polished ones — 110 facets in all. The shape has its roots in the legacy of Gérald Genta. The case flows into an integrated bracelet.

Octo Finissimo is the ultra-thin branch of the line; all the Finissimo models covered here measure 40 mm. The automatic Finissimo models use the 2.23 mm manufacture calibre BVL 138 with a micro-rotor and a 60-hour power reserve. Hand-wound versions include the platinum Extra Thin with calibre BVL 128 and a power-reserve indicator on the back, skeletons with BVL 128SK, and the Skeleton 8 Days with BVL 199 SK, which runs for eight days. Among the complications is a perpetual calendar: the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar has a titanium case, a retrograde date and the 2.75 mm calibre BVL 305. Finissimo cases come in a range of materials:

• sand-blasted titanium, including with black DLC;
• stainless steel;
• matt black ceramic;
• platinum;
• pink and yellow gold;
• carbon with pink gold details.

Octo Roma is the second branch, with the same geometry of octagonal case and round bezel, in 41 mm cases. The Octo Roma 41 mm Steel is stainless steel, with the date at 3 o'clock and the BVL 191 Solotempo calibre with a 42-hour power reserve. The Octo Roma Worldtimer is in steel with black DLC and shows the time in 24 cities using calibre BVL 257. The Octo L'Originale also has a 41 mm steel case, with a green dial, date and the BVL 193 calibre with two mainspring barrels.

A model apart is the Octo Mono-Retrograde Rose Gold, 38 mm, with jumping hours and a retrograde minute hand.

The choice comes down to three questions: what matters more, thinness or water resistance; bracelet or strap; and which case metal.