Bulgari is known for taking inspiration from its home city, Rome. The brand’s personality comes alive in its jewellery and watches, reflecting the city’s grand architecture. The Octo Roma Striking 8 Days is a new addition to Bulgari’s famous Octo family. It brings a bold new look, featuring ultra-thin design elements and record-breaking innovations.
Familiar Movement with a Fresh Twist
If the Octo Roma Striking 8 Days seems familiar, it is because of its movement. This watch uses the movement first seen in the Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days from 2022. It offers an impressive 8-day power reserve. The skeletonized movement makes this watch a real show-stopper. Its black DLC titanium case, sapphire viewing windows, and neon-green accents give it a modern Italian flair.
Inspired by Ancient Rome’s Architecture
The design of the Octo Roma reflects the ancient beauty of Roman architecture. Its octagonal base and round bezel are inspired by the octagonal coffering in the Basilica Maxentius, an ancient structure in the Roman Forum. Unlike the edgy Octo Finissimo, which has 110 razor-thin facets, the Octo Roma offers a more versatile and mellow design. This rounded geometry provides a relaxed and sturdy feel on the wrist.
Versatility in Style and Function
The Octo Roma is more versatile than its Octo Finissimo sibling. It comes in various styles, from simple time-and-date models to high jewellery secret watches. You can also find versions with complicated features, like the Grande Sonnerie Tourbillon and sporty black DLC chronographs. With its range, the Octo Roma can match any casual or formal occasion.
The Bold Look of the New Octo Roma Striking 8 Days
The latest Octo Roma model makes a strong impression. Its 44.2mm case is made of matte black DLC titanium, giving it a sleek, modern appearance. Sapphire glass panes on the case’s sides allow light to flood the watch’s movement. Though it is not as thin as the 5.95mm Octo Finissimo Skeleton 8 Days, the Octo Roma still maintains a slim 9.1mm silhouette. This balance of size and design adds to its bold yet wearable charm.
A High-Performance Movement
Inside this watch lies Bulgari’s BVL199 SK manual-winding movement. Its straight-edged, skeletonized plates and bridges reveal a complex design. Some may find other skeleton watches hard to read, but Bulgari has solved this issue. The Octo Roma features neon-green Super-LumiNova accents on the hour markers and hands. This design makes reading the time easy, even in low light. The watch also suspends the hour markers and the numeral 12 over the movement, adding depth and detail to the dial.
Unique Features for a Unique Watch
The Octo Roma Striking 8 Days has more than just good looks. It has a small-second counter at 8 o’clock. Around this counter is a power reserve gauge. The gauge has cut-out sections that reveal the power state with a neon-green bar. This indicator moves forward or backwards to show how much power remains. At 1 o’clock, a large single barrel holds a long spring. This spring gives the movement its remarkable 8-day power reserve. You will find the word “eight days” on the dial at the 3 o’clock position. This feature highlights the watch’s impressive power.
A Stunning View of the Movement
The watch’s back is just as impressive as its front. It showcases a maze of matte-finished, open-worked bridges with bright pink rubies. The craftsmanship clearly shows Bulgari’s dedication to form and function. Despite its thin 2.5mm movement, the Octo Roma packs an incredible 192-hour power reserve. This blend of elegance and technical skill makes it a standout in Bulgari’s collection.
Stylish and Comfortable Strap Options
Bulgari presents the Octo Roma Striking 8 Days with two strap options. One is a black alligator strap featuring green stitching to match the dial’s luminescent accents. The second option is a rubber strap with a textile finish for a sporty look. These choices allow wearers to personalize their watches to fit their style.
Official Launch and Pricing
Bulgari plans to launch the Octo Roma Striking 8 Days in October 2024. The watch will retail for CHF 33,100, reflecting its high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and unique features. For collectors and enthusiasts, it represents a blend of history, design, and innovation in one timepiece.