This spectacular creation offers a new interpretation of the formal purity of the octagon. The eight-sided geometrical figure, conveying a wealth of cultural and spiritual symbolism, has been regarded as a source of perfection since time immemorial, both in Antiquity and during the Renaissance. In the wake of various formal variations on the Octo theme, it reinvents itself in 2017 with this new case distinguished by its modern, urban proportions.

The new case, unveiled with the Octo Roma line, is naturally inspired by the motifs adorning the Basilica of Maxentius. The Roman roots of Bulgari, a jewellery Maison endowed with skills admired for more than 130 years, cannot be concealed. As always at Bulgari, there is no question of separating form and substance. The exercise of modelling shapes and seeking ideal equilibrium in design are not undertaken for their own sake, but always as a means of matching functionality. Likewise, efficiency is not sought for the sake of mere pride in performance. Everything is first and foremost about balance and beauty.

The formal purity of this exceptional watch is now dedicated to expressing a new watchmaking vision: allowing light to flood in so as to showcase mechanism through a beautifully modernistic and innovative approach.

An original and spectacular architecture

With its transparent case-back and dial, this spectacular 44mm-diameter timepiece made of titanium with a black Diamond Like Carbon (D.L.C.) treatment, offers enthusiasts a full visual immersion into its inner workings. The mechanical manual-winding flying tourbillon movement, Caliber BVL 206, appears at the heart of the watch with 11 black DLC-coated bridges adorned with green bars of ITR2 – a single composite material laden with carbon nanotube particles and a hardness comparable to a metal - and SLN, a high-tech luminescent material enabling the watch to give off at night all the light it has received during the daytime. The bridges forming the hour-markers are an entirely original feature. They therefore serve to bear and hold the movement in place, while also acting as functional elements for reading off the hours and minutes, as well as decorative features contributing to the singular identity of the watch. In addition, the Octo Tourbillon Sapphire incorporates a clever development relating to its time-setting operations: pressing the crown displays a red dot in a tiny aperture at 3 o’clock, thereby signalling that the time may be set by simply turning the crown. Once the operation is complete, another press causes the dot to vanish and locks the time-setting mechanism.

For less informed connoisseurs, this model thus also provides a sophisticated expression of horological excellence, seemingly coming to life beneath the gaze of the person observing it, thanks to the regular and fascinating beat of the tourbillon. Its daring and luminous decoration also makes it a particularly fascinating example of contemporary design. Attired in a highly on-trend, resolutely Italian shade of black, this watch is secured to the wrist by a matching black alligator leather strap with a folding clasp, featuring a classic appearance concealing a rubber lining that ensures perfect comfort on the wrist.

With the Octo Tourbillon Sapphire, Bulgari is continuing its personal definition of horological excellence. A definition characterised by perfect transparency.