Bulgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar - Platinum - Blue Dial - Alligator strap

Contrary to popular belief, the Octo case as we know it today was not designed by Gérald Genta. Instead, it was created by Bulgari's design team, though clearly inspired by Genta's past work, both in his own brand, where the octagonal case was a recurring theme, and in his designs for other Maisons, most notably the Royal Oak. While Genta did not invent the octagon in watchmaking, he was instrumental in elevating it to iconic status, a legacy Bulgari later reinterpreted with boldness and innovation. The Octo made its debut under the Gérald Genta brand in the early 2000s, shortly after Bulgari acquired the company. Its sharply faceted case, among the most geometrically complex in the industry, immediately stood out, while its calibers highlighted Bulgari's growing technical ambition. By 2010, the Octo was fully integrated into Bulgari's own collection, with the Genta signature gradually disappearing from the dial. A decisive turning point came in 2014 with the launch of the Octo Finissimo, which shifted the focus from faceting to thinness and set a world record with the thinnest tourbillon wristwatch ever. From that moment, Bulgari established itself as the master of ultra-thin watchmaking, consistently pushing the limits of miniaturisation across all major complications. The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar, presented by Bulgari in 2021, marked yet another record in ultra-thin watchmaking as the world's thinnest perpetual calendar, a record it still holds today. Measuring just 5.80 mm overall, it is powered by the 2.75 mm-thick calibre BVL 305, a technical masterpiece of 408 components featuring a micro-rotor and ingenious spatial optimisation. Awarded the prestigious Aiguille d'Or at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève in 2021, the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar stands as one of the crown jewels of Bulgari's young yet already iconic collection, seamlessly blending modern design with one of horology's most traditional and coveted complications. The present example, sold in 2023, stands out as it is housed in a 40 mm platinum case rather than the usual titanium typical of the Octo Finissimo line. This marks the first time Bulgari has used platinum for an Octo Finissimo and represents an additional technical achievement, as the metal's toughness makes the sharp facets of the Octo case particularly challenging to execute. The deep blue soleil dial harmoniously displays the perpetual calendar indications, with a retrograde date at 12 o'clock, a day-of-the-week subdial between 7 and 8 o'clock, a month subdial between 4 and 5 o'clock, and a retrograde leap year display at 6 o'clock. The watch is offered in excellent overall condition and is accompanied by its original warranty and box.