SimplyAbuDhabi XIV

9 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I All the other hours are indicated by strong markers, the facets of which have been subtly worked in support of the angles and the sides of the case itself. To take the time to examine each of thesemeticulously calculated angles is to experience the pleasure of discovering the kind of sophistication that creates beauty with unparalleled skill. Having gradually brought all of its traditional skills under one roof and having gained full mastery of modern technologies and all of its production capabilities, Bulgari now has complete control of all creative and assembly processes. This enables it to make even itsmost exceptional creations entirely independently, from start to finish. Bulgari has learned how to combine a sensational aesthetic inspired by Italian creativity with its fine-jewellery legacy, cleverly mixed with the wonderful measured precision of exceptional Swiss mechanics, making Bulgari’s Octo watch a succinct combination of style and performance. Now the thinnest movement ever created has slipped into the Octo’s heart to enhance this fusion of fine precision and creativity in the most imaginative and luxurious way. In this spirit of pursuing the basic essentials, the Octo line has also added a creation equipped with an ultra-thin hand-wound mechanical movement, an expression of unquestionable formal elegance. The 2014 additions to the Octo line once again come in a number of versions. While theOcto’s case has traditionally been offered in a 41.5 mm diameter size, it now comes in a new 38 mm version that explores the kinds of metal combinations and contrasts to which the overall aesthetic of the watch lends itself so very well. The new case houses the Solotempo calibre, an automatic movement exclusively designed and manufactured in-house. By introducing the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon, Bulgari has reached a new milestone in the development of ultra-thin watches with a major complication: its 1.95-mm-thick movement makes this flying tourbillon simply the slimmest on the market. No others even come close; it’s the thinnest ever made. Everything about the Finissimo Tourbillon calibre speaks of mechanical innovation. It has 249 components and its finishes are completely in keeping with its exceptional nature, down to the last detail. The plate and bridges are bevelled and decorated with Côtes de Genève, the gears are bevelled and circular satin- brushed, screw heads and slots are bevelled and the ends are polished. The calibre, which displays the hours andminutes on a black dial, is lacquered and polished with great simplicity, and fits within a platinum case 40 mm in diameter, which extends into a black alligator strap with a platinum buckle.