In less than a decade of production, the complex geometric Bulgari Octo series has firmly established itself as a modern icon of watchmaking. The Italian brand has interpreted this form in a vast array of materials, complications, and variants - from the record-breaking ultra-thin Octo Finissimo series to the softer, rounded forms of the Octo Roma. In 2021, Bulgari offers its customers the chance to reimagine this design. With cases and movements partially crafted from semi-precious stones, these new models work in conjunction with Bulgari's new Maestria customization app in boutiques, offering 30 possible variations of case materials, gemstone bezels, case stones, and custom engraving. The new Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia series offers a theatrically luxurious embodiment of the streamlined Octo Roma line and pioneers an intriguing new concept in luxury watch retail.
It is rare for a flying tourbillon in watches to be overshadowed by another design element, but the 44-millimeter cases of the Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia series are perfectly suited for this purpose. The Octo Roma Naturalia series repeats the same refined geometric form as the standard Octo Roma but adds complexity to this multifaceted design with a two-material 'sandwich' style construction. While the bezel, case back, and lugs are made of matte titanium with black PVD coating, matte and polished rose gold, or a platinum-gold alloy, the central case band is crafted from contrasting stone. Bulgari spends two months preparing and finishing the stone elements of each watch, offering polished black onyx, banded green malachite, and blue lapis lazuli with a golden sheen. To ensure the watch strap matches the stone details of the dial and movement, each stone segment of the watch is cut from the same block. For added shock and awe, buyers can further adorn the bezel, case, and lugs with onyx or baguette-cut diamonds.
Like the cases, the skeletonized dials of the Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia line rework familiar Octo elements to maximize the impact of the line's signature stone elements. A network of skeletonized bridges forms raised platforms for elongated stick indices - a distinctive feature of the Octo series, made from lapis lazuli, malachite, or onyx. The bridges themselves are crafted from the same material as the case's metal elements and offer separate round skeleton windows for almost each gear element. While this allows a view of the mechanism's inner workings, the Octo Roma Naturalia is surprisingly legible for a skeletonized design, thanks to the stone veneer covering the mechanism's bars and filling the design's negative space with a single color. Despite all this visual complexity, the flying tourbillon at the '6 o'clock' position remains a natural focal point, enhancing the design's visual depth as it appears to float above the base level of the movement's plate. Conversely, the Octo Roma Naturalia's skeleton hand seems somewhat out of place in initial images: the simple design and painted finish contrast somewhat with the complexity and polished stone surrounding it.
Bulgari equips the Octo Roma Naturalia line with its in-house BVL 206 manual-winding movement, featuring a skeletonized flying tourbillon, visible through the skeletonized dial and sapphire case back. The rear view mirrors the dial side, with its network of hub-like bridges and polished embossed edges. This network contains rounded windows for the gear train, backed by a thin slice of stone covering the main plate. The power reserve indicator playfully integrates into the overall theme in initial images: an arrow-shaped hand and raised stone sweep indicate the current winding level. Bulgari keeps the BVL 206's technical specifications under wraps, but the movement provides a solid 64-hour power reserve. To complete the Octo Roma Naturalia series, buyers can choose alligator leather straps in black, green, and navy blue.
Combining a new personalization concept with a striking stone embodiment of the brand's core modernist design, the Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia line represents both a standalone stunning series of watches and a pilot program for future bespoke offerings from Bulgari. The Bulgari Octo Roma Naturalia series is now available for order exclusively at Bulgari boutiques, starting at 90,000 euros. For more information, visit the brand's website.
