Yellow Gold Enthusiasts, Rejoice! Bulgari (Finally) Adds An 18k Yellow Gold Model To Its Core Octo Finissimo Collection At LVMH Watch Week.

January 29, 2024

If Bulgari is making one thing crystal clear across its lineup at LVMH Watch Week, it's that gold C 18k yellow gold to be precise C is so in for 2024. While the luxury brand has embraced the precious metal across its jewelry and timepieces since its own Art Deco era, the introduction of the material into its ultra-thin, ultra-sophisticated Octo Finissimo family came a bit delayed, with the first Yellow Gold Octo Finissimo debuting in 2023 in the form of a 50 piece limited edition. Now, Bulgari introduces its second yellow gold Octo Finissimo, pairing it with a deep blue sunray-finished lacquered dial. Additionally, the previously U.S.-exclusive Tuscan Copper dial model of the Octo Finissimo has been released into the wider world (and you can read our previous coverage on it here). The Tuscan Copper dial model in question, for those interested... Spoiler alert: if you're looking for any additional mechanical revolutions for this latest Finissimo, you will not find them here. However given how already impressive the collection is C both stylistically and mechanically C I would argue that is not such a bad thing after all. As with this yellow gold and blue rendition's siblings, this Octo Finissimo maintains the 40mm diameter sizing, remarkably thin 6.4mm profile, sophisticated octagonal case design with 58 facets, and the quintessentially Roman-Italian flair that defines the model family, and the brand's design ethos at large. Not unlike its predecessors, this Octo Finissimo is also equipped with the record-setting BVL 138 Caliber with its 2.33mm thickness, hand-finished chamfers, circular graining, and C?tes de Genve stripes. Given that the line is intended to live in the realm of sport watches despite their elegant appearance, this golden Octo Finissimo is capable of up to 100 meters of water resistance, so splash, swim, and snorkel away. While the Octo Finissimo line has primarily experimented with the more sleek, modern, and utilitarian materials of steel, titanium, and carbon fiber as well as Rose Gold, I am of the opinion that the complexity of the design reaches its purest and most compelling expression when executed in yellow gold such as this. All those brilliant angles, curves, that daring sense of geometry, calls for C nay, demands C to be seen in their most luxurious, even ostentatious, state. The combination of the gold case and bracelet and blue sunray dial calls to mind the oversized, deliciously funky bangle and cuff style watches with stone dials various brands put out in the '60s and '70s. It's bold, loud, daring, and a touch playful C a combination of things that I hope to see more brands push towards in 2024. Bring on the intrigue! I dare you. What We Think Given that the innovations on this launch are largely aesthetic rather than functional, I suppose the phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies, and could be aptly revised to "if it ain't broke, add some 18k yellow gold, why don't ya?" Also for your weekly dose of Gen-Z internet discourse that you never asked for, the "Mob-Wife aesthetic" is the latest micro trend being taken up amongst fashion bloggers and TikTokers C think, lots of leopard print, big hair, grandma's old fur coat, Edie Falco everything The Sopranos in general. Though I am certain that this piece falls well out of the budget of the Gen-Zers (myself included) engaging with this trend, it reminded me of some of its key principles regardless. Largely, the pursuit of loud luxury as a reaction to quiet, minimal, toned-down stylings. And thus, the pendulum between the forces of maximalism and minimalism keeps swinging in perpetuity.? Though not for everyone in terms of its aesthetic sensibilities or its price point, its design isn't intended to be a great equalizer (or even a crowd-pleaser) within the watch world. It's got its own thing going on. While I've only up until now been able to see it through a screen, I'm manifesting that I may be so lucky as to give this baby a spin on the old wrist sometime in the not-so-distant future The Basics Brand: BulgariModel: Octo FinissimoReference: 103812Diameter: 40mmThickness: 6.4mmCase Material: 18k yellow gold Dial Color: Blue sunrayIndexes: AppliedLume: N/AWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: 18k yellow gold The Movement Caliber: BVL 138 CaliberFunctions: Hours, minutes, secondsThickness: 2.33mmPower Reserve: 60 hoursWinding: Automatic Pricing & Availability Price: $45,500Availability: Now Shop this story Hodinkee is an authorized retailer of Bulgari. For more information, click here.?Bulgari is part of the LVMH group. Although LVMH Luxury Ventures is a minority investor in Hodinkee, we maintain complete editorial independence.