The thinnest mechanical watch ever made. The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra measures about 0.067 in (1.7 mm) thick, making it the thinnest mechanical watch on record. Bulgari achieved this by integrating the movement directly into the caseback, removing the usual base plate.
Title: The World’s Thinnest Mechanical Watch: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Breaks Boundaries at 1.7mm
Meta Description: Discover the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, the thinnest mechanical watch ever created at just 0.067 inches (1.7mm) thick. Explore its groundbreaking design, engineering marvels, and what makes it a horological icon.
The Quest for Thinness: A Horological Revolution
In the world of luxury watchmaking, the pursuit of ultra-thin timepieces represents the pinnacle of technical artistry. For decades, brands like Piaget, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Audemars Piguet have pushed the boundaries of miniaturization. But in 2022, Bulgari shattered all records with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, a mechanical watch measuring a mere 1.7mm thick (0.067 inches)—certified by the Guinness World Records as the thinnest mechanical watch ever made.
This achievement isn’t just a marketing triumph; it’s a bold reimagining of how a mechanical watch can function. Let’s dive into the innovations behind this engineering masterpiece.
Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Ultra: By the Numbers
- Thickness: 1.7mm (0.067 inches)
- Case Material: Sandblasted tungsten carbide
- Movement: Manual-winding BVL Caliber 180
- Power Reserve: 50 hours
- Limited Edition: 10 pieces
How Bulgari Engineered the Impossible
Traditional mechanical movements rely on layered components: a base plate, bridges, gears, and an oscillating balance wheel. The Octo Finissimo Ultra throws this blueprint out the window with radical design choices:
1. Movement Integrated Into the Caseback
Bulgari eliminated the traditional base plate, fusing the movement directly into the caseback. This fusion reduces bulk while maintaining structural integrity. The case itself becomes a functional component of the movement.
2. Ultra-Thin Escapement & Skeletonization
The BVL Caliber 180 movement features a revolutionary ultra-thin escapement, measuring just 0.15mm thick. Every component, from the barrel to the gear train, was skeletonized to near-invisible dimensions.
3. Advanced Materials
The case uses tungsten carbide, a dense, scratch-resistant alloy typically reserved for industrial tools. Despite its durability, it contributes almost no thickness to the watch. The sapphire crystal is equally thin (<0.30mm) and treated for shatter resistance.
4. A Dial That’s Also a Movement Bridge
Even the dial serves double duty: It acts as a bridge for the gear train, optimizing space and reducing layers.
Design Without Compromise
Despite its extreme dimensions, the Octo Finissimo Ultra retains Bulgari’s signature aesthetic:
- The iconic Octo Finissimo case, with its 110-facet geometric design.
- Sandblasted surfaces for a minimalist, industrial edge.
- A micro-rotor (hidden from view) for efficient winding.
Yet, the watch doesn’t sacrifice legibility. Hours and minutes are displayed on subdials, while a power reserve indicator sits discreetly at 12 o’clock.
A Digital Twist in an Analog Masterpiece
Bulgari incorporated a playful nod to modernity: A QR code etched onto the barrel (scannable via smartphone) directs owners to exclusive digital content. Each watch is also linked to an NFT, certifying authenticity via blockchain—a first in ultra-high-end watchmaking.
Why the Octo Finissimo Ultra Matters
A Statement of Technical Dominance
Bulgari has broken the ultra-thin record eight times since 2014, cementing its reputation as a leader in micro-engineering. The Ultra is the culmination of this journey.
Redefining Wearability
At 1.7mm thick, the watch is lighter and more comfortable than traditional mechanical pieces. It challenges the notion that robustness requires bulk.
Collectibility & Exclusivity
With only 10 pieces produced (priced at ~€400,000 each), the Ultra is a grail for collectors—a fusion of art, innovation, and rarity.
Conclusion: Horology’s New Everest
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra isn’t just a watch; it’s a testament to human ingenuity. By dismantling conventions and leveraging cutting-edge materials, Bulgari has redefined the limits of mechanical watchmaking. While few will ever own one, its legacy will inspire future generations of engineers and designers to keep pushing—no matter how thin the air gets.
For lovers of precision, minimalism, and audacious engineering, the Octo Finissimo Ultra is a modern marvel, proving that in horology, less truly can be more.
Keywords: Thinnest mechanical watch, Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, 1.7mm watch, ultra-thin watch, luxury watches, record-breaking watches, BVL Caliber 180, Guinness World Records, Octo Finissimo design, Bulgari innovation.
