When one thinks of luxury, endurance, and timeless appeal, one material often comes to mind: marble. This year, BULGARI has etched a monumental milestone with its BULGARI Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble, a grand tribute to the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. This transcendent timepiece, blending BULGARI’s centuries-old association with marble and its reputation in horological artistry, captures the essence of what it means to be a masterpiece.
Eight years and eight “thinness” world records later since its inception, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon has always been a beacon of BULGARI’s dedication to excellence. Now, adorned in marble, it is elevated from a watchmaking prodigy to an artistic marvel.
BULGARI’s affinity for miniaturization shines through this creation. The sheer challenge of encasing the Octo Finissimo, a watch that boasts 110 facets, in marble speaks volumes of the brand’s audacious venture. It’s not merely about aesthetics, but also the meticulous process of achieving that aesthetic without compromising the watch’s integrity. The dial itself, graced by a mere 0.6-mm thin slice of marble, elegantly reveals the tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
The choice of marble, Verde Alpi, paints a vivid picture, too. Sourced from the Aosta Valley, which connects Switzerland and Italy through the Alps, the marble’s rich green interspersed with white channels mirrors the verdant Alpine forests and their snowy counterparts. It’s a hue and pattern synonymous with growth, abundance, and life itself.
However, the magic lies not just in the watch’s face or its symbolic representation. Delve deeper, and one discovers the relentless efforts behind bringing this vision to life. Imagine for a moment the craftsmanship needed to set thin marble pieces on the Octo Finissimo’s intricate bracelet, ensuring visual coherence while maintaining its delicate nature. The total endeavor took almost 190 hours, a testament to BULGARI’s commitment to perfection.
“For BULGARI, marble is not just a material; it’s a story, a journey through time,” remarked an insider from the maison. From the Roman conquests that introduced Numidia’s white marble to Rome’s main monuments to the bold step in 2012 when marble became the centerpiece of a jewelry piece, the journey is rich and varied. It reflects the brand’s Roman legacy and its constant endeavor to revitalize traditional luxury with modern brilliance.
The Octo collection, launched in 2012, has become an epitome of contemporary watchmaking in a short span. It uniquely fuses two foundational shapes into an octagon, inspired by Rome’s Pantheon’s geometric motifs. This collection’s success, crowned with over 60 international accolades, underscores Bulgari’s mastery in blending form and substance.
The 2023 Only Watch charity auction sees this mastery on full display. With its marble-clad Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, BULGARI not only revisits but also revitalizes its storied legacy. It’s a subtle nod to the brand’s heritage, the timeless allure of marble, and BULGARI’s consistent pursuit of redefining luxury boundaries.
At the heart of this spectacle is also a noble cause – supporting research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy through the Only Watch charity. Thus, the BULGARI Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble is more than a timepiece; it’s a beacon of hope, an artistic marvel, and a testament to human endeavor.
Accompanying this watch is a custom-made box, also touched by the grace of marble. It encapsulates BULGARI‘s overarching theme of luxury, legacy, and love for the craft. As the world sets its eyes on the Only Watch 2023 auction, the BULGARI Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble stands as a monumental testament to time, art, and humanity’s indomitable spirit.
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