Verde di Alpi Marble Watch: Will Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble Shatter Auction Records?

Is Bvlgari’s Marble-Clad Octo Finissimo Tourbillon the Ultimate Fusion of Art and Horology?

This unique Octo Finissimo watch in marble is a true marvel of craftsmanship: the 40mm DLC treated titanium case and bracelet are covered with a Verde di Alpi marble. At 6 o’clock, the marble dial reveals the 1.95mm thin manual tourbillon in-house caliber BVL 268.

At first glance, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble is a masterpiece of contrasts. Its 40mm DLC treated titanium case and bracelet provide a sleek and contemporary foundation. But what truly sets this timepiece apart is its cloak of Verde di Alpi marble. Yes, you read that right – marble! The marriage of stone and metal is a daring feat of craftsmanship, resulting in a watch that’s not just a timekeeper but also a work of art.

A Window to Precision

The marble dial of this watch, positioned gracefully at 6 o’clock, offers a glimpse into the intricate heart of the timepiece. What you’ll discover is the 1.95mm thin manual tourbillon, powered by the in-house caliber BVL 268. This flying tourbillon is no ordinary feat; it’s the slimmest on the market since 2013. Bvlgari has truly set a milestone in the world of ultra-thin watches with a major complication.

Verde di Alpi: A Journey Through Time

The choice of Verde di Alpi marble for this watch is no coincidence. It harks back to ancient times when marble was revered in Roman architecture by some of the most skilled artists in history. Marble represented Rome’s history and glory, and it played a pivotal role in Bvlgari’s own story. In 1934, when the Bvlgari store was expanded and refurbished by the renowned Italian architect Florestano Di Fausto, marble took center stage. The green African marble cornices, the iconic eight-pointed star inlays on the floors, the columns, and tables – all paid homage to the timeless elegance of marble.

Specifications That Shine

Let’s talk numbers. The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble, with its DLC titanium case covered in a layer of 0.5mm Verde di Alpi green marble, boasts a total of 110 facets. The dial is no less impressive, covered with a 0.6mm layer of the same captivating marble, complemented by gold-plated hands.

Inside, the beating heart of the watch, the BVL 268 caliber, is a true marvel of miniaturization. It’s the world’s thinnest manual movement with a flying tourbillon and a special ball bearing system. Despite its diminutive size (36.2mm in diameter and a thickness of 1.95mm), it offers a power reserve of 52 hours, ticking at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour). In total, the movement comprises 253 components, including 13 jewels.

A Labor of Love and Art

The creation of the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Marble was not just an exercise in craftsmanship; it was a labor of love and art. Covering a watch with thin layers of real marble without compromising its integrity is no small feat. It required 800 hours of meticulous development and production to ensure that this watch would be nothing short of extraordinary.

Only Watch 2023: Your Chance to Own a Masterpiece

As this unique timepiece gears up to make its mark at the 10th edition of Only Watch, it invites collectors, connoisseurs, and enthusiasts to become a part of its captivating journey. The auction will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2pm (CET) in Geneva, at PALEXPO. If you’re interested in owning a piece of horological history and contributing to a noble cause, be sure to visit the official Only Watch website for details on how to bid.