ReviewA Case For Sporty-Chic Sophistication: Presenting The Bulgari Octo Roma Special Edition

Over the years, Bulgari have been successfully building up on their Octo line with watches that are firmly rooted in fine Italian craftsmanship and meet the exacting Swiss watchmaking standards with precision at their core. With the Octo series, the brand have created several world records, as recent as the ‘world’s thinnest mechanical watch’ with the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, which stands at a mere 1.70mm. While with the Finissimo line, the brand is able to sustain their record-breaking saga, it’s their Octo Roma series that has watches with a more versatile and wearable aesthetic, along with being available at a more accessible price point. First launched in 2017, the Octo Roma line has established itself firmly within the Italian maison’s horological universe. Its octagonal shape and construction takes cues from the arches of the Basilica of Maxentius in the Roman Forum, which firmly establishes its architectural ties with the Eternal City.

However, while it’s steeped in tradition and is inspired by the rich Roman heritage, the timepiece is ultra-modern with a sporty appeal, and stands out for its combination of an octagonal frame with a round effect, thanks to the bezel being designed in such a manner. This line was refreshed last year with dials in new hues and motifs for the automatics, stylish chronographs, and spectacular tourbillons. In a continued effort to offer more variety to their patrons, the brand also released the Octo Roma Special Edition—a verdant timepiece in a deep green hue—a fresh offering for the wrist. Here are more details.

Tough Exterior: A Case Strengthened By Steel And DLC Treatment

This watch with an unconventional geometry comes in a 41mm sturdy case crafted in stainless-steel with black Diamond-Like Carbon or DLC treatment, making it highly bold and contemporary. Here, the ‘shape, function, and ergonomics merge into a cohesive and harmonious whole, arranged according to the tenets of Roman architecture’. The philosophy of using black is to add more depth to the watch while also perfectly complementing the dark green hue of the dial and strap. Black also helps with adding visual depth and enhances shapes, materials, and textures, when paired with another hue. This robust chassis replete with a screw-down crown offers a water resistance of up to 100m, ranking it high on the functional aspect as well.

This watch with an unconventional geometry comes in a 41mm sturdy case crafted in stainless-steel with black Diamond-Like Carbon or DLC treatment, making it quite contemporary

₹7,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

The philosophy of using black is to add more depth to the watch while also perfectly complementing the dark green hue of the dial and strap

₹7,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

This robust chassis replete with a screw-down crown offers a water resistance of up to 100m, ranking it high on the functional aspect as well

₹7,80,000

Check Our Selling Price

01

Textured Dial

The Octo Roma Special Edition commands a strong personality that celebrates the union of fine craftsmanship and precision. It features a Clous de Paris finish or a distinct hobnail pattern on a green dial, which adds a distinct character to the watch face, complemented by Super-LumiNova hands and indexes for optimum legibility and a visually appealing aesthetic—with only ‘12’ and ‘6’ placed as Arabic numerals. This automatic three-hand timepiece revisits the basics of timekeeping along with a rectangular date window positioned at three o’clock. So while the dial looks rich and textured, it doesn’t for a minute deviate from looking elegant and gives the watch a sporty-chic charm.

The Automatic Powerhouse

At the heart of this timekeeper lies the in-house BVL 191 movement with an automatic winding, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply a power reserve of at least 42 hours. Its rotor is finished with Côtes de Genève graining and can be admired through the sapphire caseback on turning the watch over. This piece was specifically designed for the Middle East at the time of its launch but will be available in the Indian market, subject to availability. It comes with two textured rubber straps—a black and green—with the same Clou de Paris pattern on the dial, and are easily interchangeable, thanks to the quick-release system.

It comes with two textured rubber straps—a black and green—with the same Clou de Paris pattern on the dial, and are easily interchangeable, thanks to the quick-release system

It is driven by the in-house BVL 191 movement with an automatic winding, beating at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply a power reserve of at least 42 hours