Bulgari Creates World’s Thinnest Watch, So Flat It’s Like Origami
Image via Bulgari
Bulgari has once again demonstrated that less can indeed be more. The Italian luxury watchmaker has ticked its way into a new record with the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which bears a thickness of just 1.70 millimeters, surpassing the previous record held by Richard Mille’s RM UP-01 Ferrari (1.75mm) from 2022.
This is Bulgari’s ninth world record in the last 10 years, with a former slimmest watch holding one of those titles. The new model—a little over the thickness of two credit cards stacked together, edges out its predecessor, the 2022 Octo Finissimo Ultra, by a mere 0.10mm.
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Unveiled at the Watches and Wonders trade show in Geneva, Switzerland, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC also brings to the table shock and magnetic resistance, making it more than just a pretty face. It also holds the distinction of being the thinnest chronometer ever to receive COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) certification, alluding to its accuracy and reliability in timekeeping.
This thinness milestone was achieved with some help from the engineers at the Concepto Watch Factory in Switzerland, known for its work with complex watch mechanisms. The key to the watch’s incomparably delicate form lies in its construction. The case, available in sandblasted titanium or platinum, utilizes a very dense tungsten carbide for the back and main plate, which allows for a strong and resilient structure despite a minimal footprint.
Image via Bulgari
All these enabled the shaving of that critical tenth of a millimeter, giving the piece a nearly 2D shape. On top of that, Bulgari’s BVL180 caliber, a hand-wound masterpiece with 170 components, is housed within this incredibly thin case. The timepiece also features a large barrel for a 50-hour power reserve, and an escapement design that complements its signature round bezel.
Image via Bulgari
The exclusivity of the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC comes at a high price. With only 20 pieces produced, the price starts at €600,000 (US$651,000) for the titanium version and reaches €620,000 (US$673,000) for the platinum. Each watch comes with a special presentation case that functions as a setting and winding system, complete with a digital display.
Image via Bulgari
[via Highsnobiety and WWD, images via Bulgari]
