From the famous watch designer that brought us a lot of iconic watches, Bulgari presents a high beat chronograph with a equally iconic motion. There have been numerous Bulgari Octo watches over time, and why not? It is not every day you get to make a wristwatch from legendary watch designer Gerald Genta. Why is this one special? Various things, but let’s begin with a succinct history of the opinion we are looking at and the evolution of the series to better understand why this one grabbed my attention and earned a warm place in my heart. First and foremost, this view is a chronograph which comes with a stopwatch function, a complication that isn’t found on most additional Bulgari Octo watches other than possibly the additional slender Octo Finissimo Chrono. However, do tell. Why is this chronograph different from others? Glad you asked.
The mechanical movement animating the Bulgari Watches Octo Velocissimo Chronograph 41mm is the BVL 328, which will be a hi-beat 5Hz / 36,000 VpH chronograph movement based on possibly one of the most iconic chronographs other than possibly the one at the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch. Of course, we’re referring to the Zenith El Primero. Which got its catchy name from becoming the first-ever automatic chronograph. What made this motion so unique was that the enormous precision that it had. Notwithstanding How Rolex used to use the El Primero in their own Daytona Chronograph. So iconic standing all around for this one. However, all inside superiorities aside, let’s look at the aesthetics of the watch because most people turn into Gerald Genta for his design appeal and when Bulgari acquired his designs, they really hit paydirt. Naturally, this one shall also, seem as great as any other of the iconic designs. From the brushed 18kt rose gold case with polished beveled edges to its usage of comparison on the dial and strap to bring the richness of this gold, this view looks and feels high-class but with a contemporary twist. An octagonal-shaped dial sits inside a round bezel in an 18kt rose gold 41mm multi-faceted shaped case, the atypical case shape that ironically many iconic Gerald Genta watch layouts have in common. The winding crown is polished and has two rows of raised dotted grips and is has a smooth polished black porcelain insert. Brushed chronograph pushers on the face of the instance have a bevel with a polished finish. Because this is a column-wheel chronograph rather than a cam-actuated mechanism these buttons have an extremely smooth start/stop activity and are not”jumpy” like the alternative type of chronograph mechanism. White finely printed moments and divide seconds track. The same white print is used for its chronograph sub-dials which are printed directly on the smooth black dial at the 6 o’clock and 3 o’clock position, and the little jogging moments sub-register at the 9 o’clock position. On the flip side of the scenario, you will see angular bevels together in the shape of an octagon rising upward in the case back to the peak of the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that reveals the remarkably vibrant and well-finished caliber. Combinations of blued screws, pink watch stones, and yellow gold-toned gears are closely placed on the stainless-steel plates which use a blend of traditional watchmaker’s finishing techniques.