Bulgari launched the Octo range in 2012 and since then it has mainly played on the Octo Finissimo range, breaking record after record and also pushing the boundaries in design. This year, they announced the launch of the Octo Roma collection, which is the entry level range for the brand, with a price point below 10,000 euros.

The new Octo Roma collection appeals to a self-confident individual with a refined sense of style. Versatile, sophisticated and elegant,  the timepieces in the collection are meant to those who demand ”a statement timepiece that offers a range of options, from a gorgeous automatic watch to a stunning chronograph to a mesmerizing tourbillon piece. With its daring design, the Octo Roma exemplifies Bulgari’s capacity for innovation and its contribution to Swiss watchmaking with its signature Italian flair,” the watchmaker says.

Extraordinary mechanical and design performances aside, I must say I feel more drawn to the Roma than to the Finissimo, it looks friendlier, tamer, more down to earth. I like the softer angles, the not-so-thin silhouette, and I truly love the Clous de Paris pattern on the dial, which gives the watch a welcome texture.

The new Octo Roma collection embodies ”a contemporary style that makes a lasting impression, showcasing the brand’s rich Roman roots and paying tribute to an architectural heritage and watchmaking craftsmanship. The octagonal shape of the case pays homage to the brand’s historical connection to the Eternal City. The octagonal shape has a rich history in Italian architecture, appearing in iconic structures such as the Pantheon and the works of Leonardo da Vinci; in particular, the eight-sided geometry characterizes the vaults of the Basilica of Maxentius, built in the 4th century on one of Rome’s most important architectural sites,” the brand adds.

The chronograph models come with a black or blue dial, whereas the time-and-date Octo Roma tempts us with white, blue or anthracite dial versions. The steel case is 41mm in diameter, the bracelet alternates the polished and the brushed finishing, and the calibre is in-house mechanism BVL 191. The chronos have a 42mm case, with in-house calibre BVL 399 (42-hour power reserve). I very much like the architectural, softer, rounder, at the same time solid case, which sits very nicely on almost any wrist.

Both the Octo Roma automatic and chronograph models ”come equipped with a convenient tool-free interchangeable wristband system, offering the freedom to switch looks whenever desired. The crown is seamlessly incorporated into the case of these two models and safeguarded by crown protectors – each watch is also water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. The case design juxtaposes round and octagonal shapes, creating an intricate interplay of textures, of light and shadow”.

”Octo Roma embodies an unconventional take on classic Haute Horlogerie with its array of complications and fine craftsmanship. The Octo Roma Chronograph is the first in the collection, powered by the Calibre BVL 399, a Swiss-made in-house mechanical movement. The Octo Roma Tourbillons represent the perfect fusion of Swiss watchmaking excellence and Roman creativity, with each timepiece exhibiting a singular blend of technical precision and artistic vision,” the watchmaker added.