Bulgari Breaks Boundaries Again with the World’s Thinnest Tourbillon Watch

Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon: A New Pinnacle of Watchmaking Precision.

In a horological landscape where every millimeter counts, Bulgari has once again redefined the limits of possibility. Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025, the new Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is not just another entry in the brand’s record-breaking Octo lineup—it’s a technical marvel that now holds the title of the world’s thinnest tourbillon watch, measuring just 1.85 mm thick.

For those familiar with Bulgari’s dominance in the ultra-thin category, this moment has been a long time coming. The Octo Finissimo collection, known for its architectural lines and featherlight profile, has consistently pushed the envelope since the debut of the original Octo Finissimo Tourbillon in 2014. That watch—then just 1.95 mm thick—was a revolution. Over the past decade, Bulgari has continued to shave millimeters off its designs, challenging what’s technically and aesthetically possible.

But 2024 saw Piaget momentarily steal the crown with its Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon, coming in at 2 mm. Bulgari’s response? A timepiece that’s not just thinner—it’s a mechanical feat that raises the bar in both engineering and artistry.

Crafted with a titanium case, bezel, and lugs, the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon maintains its structural integrity while showcasing its incredibly slim profile. The skeletonized design is more than eye candy—it’s an engineering strategy. By maximizing the flow of light through the movement, the watch gains a dramatic sense of depth and detail, even at less than 2 mm thick.

At the heart of the timepiece is the BVF 900 caliber, a movement so thin it practically defies physics. Set on a tungsten carbide main plate—a material chosen for its exceptional rigidity—the caliber beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and delivers a power reserve of 42 hours, a remarkable accomplishment considering the constraints of the form factor.

Key visual elements include a rhodium-plated tourbillon balance and sunburst-finished bridges, carefully designed to create contrast and emphasize motion. The polished slope of the bezel flange leads the eye into the inner workings of the watch, while micro-frosted finishes on both the titanium case and bracelet enhance the overall sense of lightness.

That bracelet, by the way, deserves its own mention. Measuring only 1.5 mm thick, it seamlessly integrates into the overall design, allowing the watch to sit nearly flush against the wrist. It’s elegant, subtle, and thoroughly modern.

Of course, creating the thinnest tourbillon in the world doesn’t come cheap. Bulgari has priced this extraordinary timepiece at $678,000, a figure that reflects not just its record-setting dimensions, but also its status as a limited edition—only 20 pieces will be produced. Each one is a testament to the Swiss-Italian house’s commitment to innovation, heritage, and boundary-pushing design.

It’s worth noting that the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon doesn’t stand alone in Bulgari’s journey. It follows a series of trailblazing models: the 1.8-mm Octo Finissimo Ultra that debuted in 2022 and the 1.7-mm COSC-certified chronometer introduced in 2024. But this new release circles back to where it all began—the tourbillon—and reasserts Bulgari’s dominance in this arena.

Bulgari’s focus has always been on fusing fine watchmaking with artistic vision. The Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon exemplifies this philosophy. It’s not simply about being the thinnest. It’s about how that thinness is expressed—how the architecture of the case, the transparency of the movement, and the balance of materials come together to create something truly exceptional.

As other brands chase records, Bulgari continues to lead, not just with specs, but with soul. In the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, we see the convergence of tradition, innovation, and daring design—a timepiece that doesn’t just tell time, but makes history.