Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo family might be better known for its record-breaking streak, all of 10 world records in the past 11 years, but perhaps its most iconic and sought-after iterations are its collaborations with artists around the world. These include Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who worked with the Italian house on not one but three stunning collaborations, beginning with 2019’s Japan-only edition featuring a hypnotic spiral motif printed in black lacquer on a titanium dial. There was the collaboration with fellow Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima with reflective polished case and bracelet, and a mirrored dial. Earlier this year at Geneva Watch Days, Bvlgari announced its latest collaboration with South Korean minimalist artist Lee Ufan, which features a titanium case body and bracelet, each bearing a mesmerizing display of irregular etches carefully filed by hand.

For Dubai Watch Week, Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej joins an illustrious list of international names for a special collaboration with Bvlgari.

Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej (with Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani) joins an illustrious list of artists and creators that have joined hands to collaborate with Bvlgari

“I appreciate d collaborating with Mattar on this project,” says Bvlgari’s Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani.

“I found it interesting to observe his vision and approach. His gallery, where I could see his 3D works originating from 2D bases, was a pleasant discovery. His way of integrating graphic elements into the design of the Octo required a substantial amount of work and constructive exchanges. The outcome is beautiful.”

The self-taught, Dubai-based artist works in different media, from painting and photography to sculpture and striking large-scale public installations that can be spotted in several parts of Dubai. These are often wrought in steel and made up of sweeping calligraphic strokes. One of his more recent and perhaps most famous works can be found on the façade of the Museum of the Future, which has become one of the city’s most iconic structures. Bin Lahej’s looping Arabic script, rendered via 1,024 pieces of stainless steel and featuring quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai., is emblazoned on the building façade. The larger-than-life calligraphy is a statement of the spirit and innovation that propels the city forward.

Bin Lahej brings the same pathos to the Dubai Watch Week edition with Bvlgari. As with other artist collaborations, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic, with its visually austere dial design, is a canvas for expression. The limited edition does away with the indices, the running seconds subdial that’s traditionally set off-center at 7 o’clock in the Octo Finissimo, and the branding on the dial. Instead, only the slender hands share space with bin Lahej’s distinctive calligraphy that is carefully laser-engraved onto the dial and sandblasted titanium bracelet.

Mattar bin Lahej’s sketches

“The future will be for those who can imagine, design, and implement it, the future does not wait for the future, but it can be designed and built today.” Indeed, the quote from the Ruler of Dubai is particularly apt, given Dubai’s forward-looking spirit, one that’s evident in its sprint towards becoming one of the world’s key watch hubs.

The sinuous curves of the script are juxtaposed against the Octo Finissimo’s faceted, sculptural case, presenting a dynamic contrast that is accentuated by a bezel deliberately left unembellished. The overall effect of black curvy script against the angular edges of sandblasted titanium is reminiscent of Bvlgari’s stunning Tattoo series with Mo Coppoletta, first released in 2022. The series comprised three iterations all featuring Coppoletta’s tattoo motif fully laser-engraved on the entire watch. Predictably, the editions sold out almost instantly, as this collaboration is likely to as well.

The Bvlgari Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo is a convergence of precision and artistry, Arabic calligraphy adorns the extra-thin sand-blasted titanium case

The Mattar bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo is powered by the inhouse BVL 138 automatic winding ultra-thin movement with platinum micro-rotor, which measures a whip-thin 2.23 mm, making it the thinnest automatic movement at time of launch in 2017. It beats at very respectable 21,600 vph and offers 60 hours of power reserve. The caliber is beautifully decorated by hand with Côtes de Genève, chamfering and Perlage finishing, alongside the artist signature and reference limitation, all of which can be admired through the transparent caseback. This special edition timepiece is released in a limited run of 70 pieces.

View from the transparent caseback, the inhouse BVL 138 caliber with the signature of the artist

Tech Specs: Mattar bin Lahej × Bvlgari Octo Finissimo

References: 104311/104334
Movement: Self-winding Caliber BVL 138; 60-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds
Case: 40mm × 5mm; sand-blasted titanium with laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy and sapphire crystal caseback featuring Mattar bin Lahej’s handwritten signature; water resistant to 30m
Dial: Black dial with black hands and laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy
Strap: Sand-blasted titanium bracelet with laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy and integrated folding clasp
Price: EUR 23,000
Availability: Limited edition of 70 pieces