Bulgari - Octo Roma Automatic and Octo Roma Chronograph

0 0 Sunday 26 March 2023 Edit this post

Part of the Octo family, the Octo Roma by Bulgari is characterised by a distinctive and contemporary style achieved by combining round and octogonal elements.

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. This design element also shines through in Bulgari's historical jewellery, the Monete collection, further solidifying the brand's connection to its Roman heritage.

In 2023, the luxury brand is revisiting the Octo Roma collection with the introduction of several new references, including three automatic models and two chronographs as well as four flying tourbillon timepieces that we will present in a separate article.

The sculpted lines of the new Octo Roma are highlighted by the alternation of different finishes: the satin-brushed upper round bezel is contrasted by a polished lower octagonal bezel part. Completing the well-balanced and sophisticated look are the faceted lugs.

Incorporated into the case and safeguarded by crown protectors, the crown is embellished by a black ceramic insert and screwed-down to ensure water resistance up to a pressure of 10 bar (corresponding to a depth of 100 meters / 330 feet).

Clear and easy to read, the dials of both the automatic models and the chronographs are enhanced by a refined Clous de Paris decoration forming a series of small pyramids. The hours and minutes hands are enhanced with Super-LumiNova, just as the hour markers and the Arabic numerals.

The Octo Roma Automatic comes in a 41 mm x 9.15 mm stainless steel case and is presented in three dial variations: white (103738), blue (103739) and anthracite (103740).

The movement of choice for these models is the in-house Calibre BVL 191 featuring a power reserve of 42 hours and indicating hours, minutes, seconds, and date. Its decorations with Côtes de Genève motif and chamfering can be appreciated through the transparent case back.

Making a debut within the collection, the Octo Roma Chronograph is housed in a slightly larger case (42 mm x 12.4 mm), also crafted from stainless steel, with two pushers perfectly integrated into the case, following through directly from the lugs.

Available in two versions, black (103471) or blue (103829), the dial features a tricompax layout with three snailed subdials: a 30-minute chronograph counter at 9 o’clock, a 12-hour chronograph counter at 6 o’clock and running seconds at 3 o’clock. The date window is situated between 4 and 5 o’clock.

Operating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), the in-house self-winding movement, Calibre BVL 399, offers 42 hours of autonomy and is decorated with Côtes de Genève motif and chamfering.

The Octo Roma automatic and chronograph models are equipped with an interchangeable wristband system, offering the freedom to switch looks whenever desired.

This new exchange system is 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.