Bvlgari’s latest collaboration with artist Laurent Grasso merges artistic brilliance with horological innovation, creating a timepiece that defies conventional boundaries.
In a world where timepieces are more than just functional tools, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo x Laurent Grasso Edition redefines the very concept of luxury. Unveiled this fall, this collaboration brings together the minimalistic design of Bvlgari’s iconic Octo Finissimo with the enigmatic artistry of Laurent Grasso. The result is a watch that transcends time, offering an ethereal experience that captures the wonders of the cosmos and the ephemeral beauty of nature.
A Vision of Celestial Elegance
The Octo Finissimo x Laurent Grasso is a celebration of two distinct worlds coming together in perfect harmony. “A watch that speaks of time not as a measurement but as a space shaped by a metaphysical concept,” says Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari’s Executive Director of Watch Design. The collaboration invites the wearer to journey through the stars, not just with the ticking of the hands, but through a visual experience that evokes natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights and the allure of a solar eclipse.
The dial, painted in a mesmerizing shade of midnight blue, creates the impression of a sky after sunset — dark, serene, and contemplative. At its center, an iridescent cloud appears to float, its ever-changing colors reflecting light in a way that seems almost otherworldly. This delicate cloud, a signature of Grasso’s work, embodies the artist’s fascination with natural phenomena, particularly the iridescence created by suspended particles in the atmosphere.
Laurent Grasso: The Artist Who Captures the Invisible
Laurent Grasso is known for his exploration of the unseen and the ethereal. For over two decades, the French artist has used his signature style to blur the lines between reality and illusion, bringing to life floating eyes, celestial bodies, and shifting clouds. His art evokes mystery, inviting viewers to question the very nature of existence. This collaboration with Bvlgari sees Grasso’s fascination with the cosmos and its intangible wonders converge with the art of horology.
As an artist deeply invested in science and the cosmos, Grasso views each creation as a “machine” that provides a new lens through which to observe the world. For the Octo Finissimo, the floating cloud on the dial becomes a symbol of dreams — fleeting, suspended between the earthly and the celestial. The watch’s three hands, hovering delicately over the dial, create an optical illusion, leaving the wearer to wonder if time itself is simply a mirage.
Octo Finissimo: A Bvlgari Icon Reimagined
Since its inception in 2014, the Octo Finissimo has reigned as one of Bvlgari’s most celebrated pieces, admired for its minimalist design and revolutionary thinness. The watch’s signature octagonal shape, inspired by the architecture of ancient Rome, is a modern classic that balances geometric harmony with functional beauty.
Over the years, the Octo Finissimo has earned nine world records, continuing to push the limits of what is possible in watchmaking. Each iteration has refined its design, achieving an ultra-thin profile while maintaining the precision and elegance that Bvlgari is known for. The limited edition Octo Finissimo x Laurent Grasso continues this legacy, combining Bvlgari’s mechanical ingenuity with Grasso’s artistic vision.
A Timepiece for the Elite
Limited to just 200 pieces worldwide, the Octo Finissimo x Laurent Grasso Edition is a true collector’s item, embodying both high art and high-end horology. The timepiece features a sandblasted titanium case with a blue PVD coating, ensuring a unique matte finish that enhances the depth and mystery of the design. The dial’s cloud pattern, created through an innovative screen-printing technique using metallic pigments, adds a touch of refined contrast to the otherwise monochromatic design.
This exquisite creation is housed in an elegant blue presentation case, further enhancing its exclusivity. The case is signed by both Laurent Grasso and Bvlgari, affirming the collaborative nature of this artistic endeavor.
Specifications
- Movement: BVL 138 Manufacture Automatic Winding Ultra-Thin Movement with Micro-Rotor (2.23 mm thick)
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Frequency: 21,600 VpH (3 Hz)
- Case: 40mm Sandblasted Titanium with Blue PVD Coating; Thickness: 5.0mm
- Bracelet: Titanium with Blue PVD Coating and Integrated Folding Buckle in DLC Titanium
- Water Resistance: 30 meters (3 ATM)
- Limited Edition: 200 pieces worldwide
For those seeking a timepiece that transcends mere function and embraces the sublime beauty of the cosmos, the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo x Laurent Grasso is more than just a watch; it is a work of art, a celebration of the invisible, and a rare opportunity to wear a piece of celestial wonder.