Bulgari over the years has accomplished seven world records and with their new Octo Finissimo Ultra they will achieve their eighth world record for the world’s thinnest mechanical watch with a height of just 1.8mm. If you are wondering why there is a QR code engraved on the dial, apparently it offers owners exclusive access to a dedicated digital universe, in addition each owner of the watch will get delivered an individual NFT that guarantees its authenticity.
Bulgari’s first world record was achieved in 2014 with their Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Manual, which features the thinnest hand-wound flying tourbillon movement which was only 1.95mm thick. Since 2014, Bulgari has broken a new world record every year since, which begs the question when would it stop. While technically this is a ridiculously impressive watch for what they have managed to do, I hate the QR code and I do not understand the reason of adding an NFT and a digital world exclusive to the owners, especially when only 10 of these watches will be made.
Since the watch is so thin the dial is part skeletonized as it has to fit the rest of the watch movement. On the dial you will see the barrel ratchet wheel which has the unique QR code that links to an NFT artwork, hour indicator, minute indicator, and you also see the 4Hz escapement assembly. Since the watch is so thin the crown of the watch is not the usual crown you would think of, instead it comes out the side of the case as a tiny horizontal gear. One of the crowns adjusts the time, and the crown on the other side of the case is the winding crown. The case comes in a case size of 40mm made out of sandblasted titanium and tungsten carbide plate with anthracite DLC treatment. The watch is only water resistant to 10m, but that is to be expected from the watch especially considering the crowns on the sides of the watch. The watch comes with a redesigned ultra-thin titanium Finissimo bracelet which is just as thin as the actual watch.
I really admire how seriously they seem to be taking in terms of breaking world records by creating some incredibly unique and challenging mechanical pieces. My only gripe with this watch is the QR code engraving on the barrel, when it could have been engraved with literally anything else that could elevate the dial even more. Hopefully, it does not become a trend with other watch makers. This watch is only limited to 10 pieces worldwide, but will not be released for a few months and as of this moment there is no price for the watch.
The Watchlist 