Bvlgari has once again pushed the boundaries of ultra-thin watchmaking with the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, reclaiming the title of the world’s thinnest tourbillon timepiece at just 1.85mm thick. Priced at $678,000, the watch surpasses the previous record held by Piaget’s Altiplano Concept Tourbillon (2mm) and solidifies Bvlgari’s dominance in ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking.
A Legacy of Record-Breaking Designs
Debuted at Watches & Wonders 2025, the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is the latest milestone in Bvlgari’s decade-long pursuit of horological minimalism. The brand first made waves in 2014 with the hand-wound Octo Tourbillon, followed by a series of record-setting releases: the thinnest minute repeater (3.12mm, 2016), the Octo Finissimo Automatic (2.23mm, 2017), and the thinnest perpetual calendar (2.75mm, 2021), which won the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The 2022 Octo Finissimo Ultra (1.8mm) and its 2024 COSC-certified successor further cemented the brand’s expertise.
“Each record has been a stepping stone,” said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of LVMH Watches and Bvlgari. “Setting a record isn’t just about crossing barriers—it’s about redefining what’s possible in mechanical watchmaking.”
Engineering Marvel: How Bvlgari Achieved the Impossible
The Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon’s astonishing thinness is the result of eight patented innovations. A tungsten carbide main plate forms the foundation, while two stainless steel planar crowns—positioned at 8 o’clock for winding and 3 o’clock for time-setting—eliminate bulk. The ratchet features engraved geometric patterns on circular-grained steel, blending artistry with precision.
The watch reintroduces a two-hand display with rhodium-plated hands against a sandblasted brass dial coated in DLC anthracite. A microbead-frosted titanium bracelet, just 1.5mm thick, complements the case’s ultra-slim profile. Even the folding clasp adheres to the minimalist ethos.
“Every detail, from the indexes to the tourbillon skeleton, reflects our commitment to excellence,” said Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari’s Product Creation Executive Director. The design draws inspiration from the coffered ceilings of Rome’s Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, merging architectural elegance with horological mastery.
The Heart of the Watch: A Skeletonized Tourbillon Movement
Powering the watch is the manually wound BVF 900 calibre, a skeletonized tourbillon movement beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) with a 42-hour power reserve. While slightly less robust than the BVL 180 calibre (used in the 50-hour COSC-certified Ultra), the integration of a tourbillon adds just 0.15mm—equivalent to two human hairs—to the thickness.
Availability and Alternatives
Limited to just 20 pieces, the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is a collector’s grail. For those seeking a more accessible option, Bvlgari also unveiled the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days in titanium at Watches & Wonders 2025, offering a blend of artistry and technical prowess at a lower price point.
With this release, Bvlgari reaffirms its position as a pioneer in ultra-thin watchmaking, blending innovation with timeless design.
