Introducing The Bulgari Octo Roma and Octo Roma Chronograph 2023

March 29, 2023

Bulgari introduced the Octo line in 2012, and since then it's become a pretty big deal, breaking records and winning over a lot of enthusiasts along the way. While the Octo Finissimo gets most of the attention C?and rightfully so C?today, Bulgari is updating the Octo Roma collection.? The updated collection is highlighted by a trio of time-and-date models, and, in a first for the Octo Roma collection, a pair of chronographs. While we won't focus on them in this particular intro, Bulgari also introduced a couple of Octo Roma tourbillons in a show of its watchmaking capabilities. The Octo Roma shares a similar silhouette with the Octo Finissimo, but with some softer angles and lines that make it feel just a bit more elegant. The lugs (and thus the bracelet) are also less wide than the Finissimo, meaning it wears less like a gladiator's cuff.? This new collection of time-and-date and chronograph models features a Clous de Paris pattern on the dial, giving it a bit of texture compared to the previously flat dials. Bulgari plays it down the middle with dial colors: the time-and-date Octo Roma will be offered with a blue, anthracite, or white dial, while the chronograph will be offered with a black or blue dial.? Otherwise, the specs of the time-and-date model are similar to the previous generation of the Octo Roma: 41mm case diameter, a bracelet with a nice combination of polished and brushed surfaces (now with a system that allows you to easily change straps, so you can easily swap to the rubber strap that's also included), and the same Bulgari caliber BVL 191. Water resistance is up to 100 meters in both models, an improvement over the previous 50 meters (both models have a screw-down crown). Meanwhile, the new chronographs measure 42mm in diameter and use Bulgari's caliber BVL 399. Like the BVL 191, it's an in-house movement and features a 42-hour power reserve. As of publication, Bulgari hasn't provided any other details about the movement, but we will update this article when we have them.? What We Think The time-and-date models of the Octo Roma will have an MSRP of 7,900 (about $8,500) and the chronograph will run 9,900 (~$10,600). It's an increase over the previous Roma C?which had an MSRP of $7,200 C but some of the aesthetic tweaks and technical refinements of the updated Roma seem to justify the increase, before we even get to other things going on in the world. The Octo Roma is still Bulgari's entry point into the Octo collection;?the Octo Finissimo starts at $13,300 on bracelet.? Obviously, the Octo collection draws inspiration from Grald Genta, though it was actually conceived in the 2000s, when the Genta mark had already been acquired by Bulgari. The concept was first introduced in the Grald Genta Bi-Retro, which looked something like this, and then Bulgari really figured it out by 2012 when it introduced the Octo line.? There's a lot of talk about how architectural the case is, though the Roma mellows this out a bit, with fewer angles, narrower lugs, and a rounder case (of course, the Roma also loses the ultra-thinness of the Finissimo). With these new updates, the Octo Roma is asking to be taken seriously as an option for those looking for a "nice watch" in the sub-10 grand space. It's a sweet spot occupied by classics from the Rolex Submariner to the Omega Globemaster, and even newer entries to the sport watch genre like the Zenith Defy Skyline and Bremont Supernova. Which of these C?if any C?one prefers is of course a matter of personal taste, but with this refresh and refinement, Bulgari has made the Oto Roma worth a second look. ? The Basics Brand: BulgariModel: Octo RomaReference Number: References 103738, 103739, 103740 (time-and-date); 103471, 103829 (chronographs)Diameter: 41mm (time-and-date); 42mm (chronographs)Thickness: To be updated Case Material: Stainless steelDial Color: Blue, anthracite, white (time-and-date); black and blue (chronographs)Indexes: Metallic indices filled with lumeLume: Super-LumiNovaWater Resistance: 100mStrap/Bracelet: Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp; interchangeability system. Additional rubber bracelet with pin buckle included. The Movements Time-and-date models:Caliber: Caliber BVL 191 Functions: Time and dateDiameter: 25.6mmThickness: 3.8mmPower Reserve: 42 hoursWinding: Automatic (central rotor)Frequency: 28,800 beats per hourJewels: 26 Chronographs:Caliber: Caliber BVL 399Functions: Time, date, and chronographPower Reserve: 42 hoursWinding: Automatic Additional Details: To be updated as additional details are provided? BVL caliber 399 BVL caliber 191 Pricing & Availability Price: 7,900 (time-and-date); 9,900 (chronograph)Limited Edition: No Shop this story Hodinkee is an authorized retailer of Bulgari watches. Explore our entire collection here. For more on Bulgari, visit its website.Bulgari is part of the LVMH group. Although LVMH Luxury Ventures is a minority investor in Hodinkee, we maintain complete editorial independence.