Renaissance of the Bvlgari Octo Roma

The Bvlgari Bvlgari watch series is a testament to the Italian luxury brand’s commitment to timeless design and precision engineering. Bvlgari Bvlgari was first introduced in 1977 as part of maison’s first collection of watches inspired by ancient Roman coins.

The Octo Roma series was launched nearly two decades ago, in 2004. Its name, “Octo,” refers to the watch’s distinctive octagonal case, while “Roma” refers to the brand’s Roman heritage. The Octo Roma watch features a clean, bold design that has made it one of Bvlgari’s most recognizable and soughtafter timepieces.

Over the years, Bvlgari has continued to evolve the Octo Roma watch, adding new complications and features to enhance its functionality and style. For example, the brand has introduced minute repeater and tourbillon models, diamond-studded bezels, and colored dials, among other updates. Despite these changes, the essence of the Octo Roma remains unchanged — it is a timeless piece that celebrates the beauty and precision of fine watchmaking while embracing the bold, contemporary spirit of Bvlgari’s heritage.

Bvlgari Octo Roma is considered one of the most recognizable timepieces with Italian flair in the world. This year, the maison is refreshing the series by introducing two new models to the Octo Roma collection: a three-hand variation as well as the first chronograph of the collection.

The Redesigned Bvlgari Octo Roma

Redesigned Octo Roma in white dial, decorated with subtle clous de Paris motif and matched with lumed hour markers and hands.
Redesigned Octo Roma in white dial, decorated with subtle clous de Paris motif and matched with lumed hour markers and hands.

Bvlgari has redesigned the Octo Roma into a sports chic timepiece that combines strong Italian design ethos, Swiss precision engineering, and overall versatility as a daily sports watch. Its 41mm case is made of polished and satin-brushed stainless steel. The case is paired with a sleek bracelet that is reminiscent of the Octo Finissimo design. The in-house constructed BVL 191 automatic movement is svelte, making the overall case height less than 10mm.

The Octo Roma features three dial variations — bold and elegant anthracite gray, classical blue or minimalistic white dial — decorated with subtle clous de Paris motif and matched with lumed hour markers and hands. The watch has a clean and easy-to-read design that makes it a perfect choice for both casual and formal wear. A date window is positioned at three o’clock, and the watch is fitted with a screw-down steel crown which helps to ensure water resistance of up to 100 meters. The newly added crown guards make the case appear more balanced, and functionally protect the crown from receiving shocks and bangs.

Octo Roma in bold and elegant anthracite gray
Octo Roma in bold and elegant anthracite gray

The watch’s polished and satin-brushed steel bracelet is attached with an innovative interchangeability system, which allows the wearer to easily switch up the colorway for very different looks. Octo Roma is a perfect daily wear watch that can go just about anywhere.

Tech Specs

BVLGARI OCTO ROMA

Movement: Self-winding caliber BVL 191; 42-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and date
Case: 41mm; polished and satin-brushed steel; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Blue, anthracite or white, with clous de Paris hobnail motif; metallic Arabic numerals and hour markers with luminescent coating
Strap: Polished and satin-brushed steel bracelet with interchangeability system
Price: EUR 7,900


Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph

Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph
Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph

This is the first time Bvlgari has introduced the chronograph complication for the Octo Roma series. The Octo Roma Chronograph features a bold and elegant design that is inspired by the brand’s iconic Roman DNA, but there is a relaxed luxury vibe to the style of the watch.

The 42mm case is water resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for a variety of activities, from casual wear to water sports. The chronograph function is powered by the Swiss-made BVL 399 mechanical movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Bvlgari has modified the base BVL 191 caliber and has added a chronograph module for the additional compliacation.

The Octo Roma Chronograph has two dial variations — bold and easy-to-read black or classical blue — both adorned with the small, pyramid-like squares of a clous de Paris hobnail motif. This backdrop provides a highly legible contrast for the metallic hour markers and hands that have been filled with Super-LumiNova. The subdials include a small seconds, chronograph hour, chronograph minute and a discreet date window at the 4:30 position.

The case has satin-brushed and polished finishes for a look that is minimalistic with a subtle dynamic nuance. The chronograph pushers seamlessly integrate into the case and draw the attention to protective crown guards and the screw-down crown. The Octo Roma Chronograph case is a great design achievement in itself.

At its heart this is a sports watch, but the elegant finish and the polished and satin-brushed steel bracelet give it a luxury feel that will fit in at almost any occasion.

The Bvlgari Octo Roma and Octo Roma Chronograph are watches that truly capture the essence of Bvlgari’s heritage, style and innovation. They are the perfect choice for those who demand a watch that is both functional and stylish, and they are sure to become timeless classics in their own right. Whether you are a watch collector or simply someone who appreciates the finest in wristwear, these two new timepieces will be on your must-have sports watch list.

Bvlgari’s designs often follow the Estetica della Meccanica philosophy which is a tribute to the art of watchmaking and the beauty of mechanical movements. Bvlgari has a commitment to create only the finest timepieces, and the designs celebrate the craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of their watches. The maison’s high complication watches feature intricate mechanical movements that are meticulously finished and decorated, making each one a true work of art. These complicated movements are housed in the elegant and ultra thin cases of the Octo Roma series, crafted from precious metals such as platinum, rose gold and yellow gold.

Tech Specs

Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph

Movement: Self-winding caliber BVL 399; 48-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and date
Case: 42mm; polished and satin-brushed steel; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Black or blue, with clous de Paris hobnail motif; metallic Arabic numerals and hour markers with luminescent coating
Strap: Polished and satin-brushed steel bracelet with interchangeability system
Price: EUR 9,900


Bvlgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar

The Bvlgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar is a true symbol of luxury and sophistication. This magnificent timepiece is a marvel of mechanical engineering as well as the epitome of refined elegance and taste.

The design was inspired by the work of the legendary watch designer Gérald Genta and was made in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first Grande Sonnerie developed by Genta in 1994. Genta was known for his iconic designs, which blended classic and contemporary styles to create timepieces that were both timeless and modern. More than 90 Grande Sonnerie watches have been created since 1994, and the new watch is an excellent update for the line.

Crafted from the finest materials, the Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar is a masterpiece of engineering and design. Its 44mm case is made of carbon CTP and features a carbon middle part for an incredible sonic experience. The watch is powered by an in-house mechanical movement, the BVL 980, which is the result of years of research and development by the finest watchmakers at Bvlgari.

A highly complex mechanism chimes the hours and quarters, a feature that is usually reserved for only the most exclusive timepieces. The perpetual calendar function is no less impressive, automatically adjusting for the different lengths of the months and the leap year cycle and ensuring that the watch always displays the correct date. Bvlgari is a master of chiming watches and has crafted beautiful timepieces with two, three and four hammers (Grande Sonnerie).

The skeletonized black dial of the Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar is complemented by rose gold indexes, hands, crown and push buttons for a complex design that is both elegant and functional. The perpetual calendar is indicated by subdials at three, six and nine o’clock, and it is fitted with a moonphase display at 12 o’clock. The watch also includes a power reserve indicator and a chime power reserve indicator.

Tech Specs

Bvlgari Octo Roma Grande Sonnerie Perpetual Calendar Ref. 103195

Movement: Self-winding caliber BVL 980; 48-hour power reserve (28 hours for chiming)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, tourbillon, perpetual calendar with moonphase, grande and petite sonnerie and minute repeater
Case: 44mm; carbon CTP; water resistant to 10m
Dial: Smoked sapphire with display of watch movement; rose gold indexes
Strap: Black alligator leather; black DLC-treated titanium folding clasp
Price: CHF 820,000
Availability: Limited edition of eight pieces


Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie

The Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie is a watch that embodies the essence of indulgence and elegance. The 44mm case of this one-of-a-kind timepiece is crafted from 18K white gold and is set with glittering 446 baguette-cut Zambian emeralds and diamonds totaling over 30 carats.

The dial of the Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie is a work of art, with its baguette-cut diamonds that are arranged in a mesmerizing pattern, adding a touch of glamor to the watch. The diamonds are perfectly placed to reflect light and add an extra touch of sparkle to the watch. The semicircular power reserve indicators — one for the chime (24 hours in grande sonnerie mode) and one for the watch — are positioned in such a way as to enhance the overall aesthetic of the watch. The Grande Sonnerie function, which chimes the hours, quarters and minutes is a true work of art.

The sapphire crystal on the caseback provides an unobstructed view of the intricate BVL 703 caliber that is composed of 732 individual components meticulously assembled over nine months by a dedicated master watchmaker. The watch features a melodious Westminster chime that can be silenced or activated on demand by the side pushers.

Bvlgari has exceedingly succeeded in fusing haute horlogerie with haute ioaillerie, and the Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie is a perfect specimen of this fusion.

Tech Specs

Bvlgari Octo Roma Emerald Grande Sonnerie Ref. 103553

Movement: Self-winding caliber BVL 703; 24-hour power reserve in grande sonnerie mode; 28-hour power reserve in petite sonnerie mode
Functions: Hours, minutes, four- hammer Westminster chime, minute repeater, grande and petite sonnerie
Case: 44mm; 18K white gold, set with 72 baguette-cut emeralds and 411 baguette-cut diamonds; water resistant to 30m
Dial: Fully paved with emerald-cut diamonds; green Arabic numerals and hour markers
Strap: Green alligator leather; white gold folding clasp set with baguette-cut diamonds
Price: EUR 1.6 million
Availability: Pièce unique


Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon

The Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon is the second iteration of the Octo Roma Carillon Tourbillon, offered in a sporty blue colorway. It is a minute repeater with a three-hammer carillon with Westminster chime, regulated by a tourbillon, all thanks to a slim BVL 428 caliber that measures in at 35mm across with a height of only 8.35mm.

Bvlgari explains that for the complex case construction, “generous proportions of the case are designed to maximize sound propagation, enabling increased torque from the three-hammer construction and greater sound power production.” Specifically, the mid-case is designed to maximize sound and allow for the most volume and resonance. The case internals are also hollowed out according to design, to reduce the amount of metal between inside and outside. Then there are three openings that correspond to the three chimes, which allows for the sound to travel unencumbered outside of the case’s internal chamber.

Bvlgari goes on to say that the gongs of the BVL 428 are forged by hand before being annealed at a temperature of 900 degrees Celsius. The metal surface is then cleaned before another round of heating in an oven at 500 degrees Celsius, which at last gives it the physical qualities necessary for crystalline resonance. Adjustments to each gong is then made by a master watchmaker, carefully coaxing out the necessary notes for a Westminster chime. As stated by Bvlgari: “The melodic sequence of this chime with three hammers striking three tones plays the note C for the hours, the notes E D C for the quarters and the note E for the minutes.”

The blue skeletonized dial is a fascinating openworked design that showcases the intricate mechanical movement within. The blue color of the dial is eye-catching and adds an extra touch of sophistication to the watch. It is treated with an ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) process, which provides a highly resistant and long-lasting finish.

The movement functions include a minute repeater with a three-hammer carillon with Westminster chime, regulated by a tourbillon
The movement functions include a minute repeater with a three-hammer carillon with Westminster chime, regulated by a tourbillon

The blue alligator leather strap provides a comfortable and secure fit, and is fitted with a platinum folding clasp that is easy to use. The blue color of the strap provides a stunning contrast to the platinum case, and it is the perfect finishing touch to the watch.

The Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon is a truly remarkable timepiece with its amalgamation of technical excellence, timeless elegance and craftsmanship. It is limited to 30 pieces.

Tech Specs

Bvlgari Octo Roma Blue Carillon Tourbillon Ref. 103627

Movement: Manual winding caliber BVL 428; 75-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, three-hammer carillon tourbillon and minute repeater
Case: 44mm; platinum with openworked titanium middle-case
Dial: Semi-openworked with blue grilles; blue Arabic numerals and hour markers
Strap: Blue alligator leather; platinum triple folding clasp
Price: USD 317,000
Availability: Limited edition of 30 pieces


An Evolving Collection

From the entry-level time and date model, to the Chronograph and the Grande Sonnerie, Bvlgari’s Octo Roma series offers a great value proposition to collectors. The series with its signature circle- within-an-octagon case shape has grown with the times, with updates to its design and style. It is also increasing in complexity — maturing, if you will, with references that include ultra high- end complications. Together, the latest models represent Bvlgari’s efforts to broaden the collection and are surely a sign of more exciting things to come for the ever-evolving Octo Roma watch.

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