Bvlgari marked a defining moment at Dubai Watch Week 2025 with the reveal of a rare collaboration that bridges the worlds of high watchmaking and Emirati artistry. The Maison unveiled the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo—a limited-edition creation that transforms its modern icon into a new cultural dialogue between Italian design and the rich artistic heritage of the UAE. Presented under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the debut reaffirmed Bvlgari’s place at the intersection of innovation, elegance and artistic expression.
Since its inception, the Octo Finissimo has stood as a beacon of radical minimalism and technical brilliance, redefining the boundaries of ultra-thin watchmaking. Its geometric architecture and sandblasted surfaces have long been admired as a blank canvas for creative interpretation. For Dubai Watch Week, Bvlgari elevated this philosophy by inviting celebrated Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej to reinterpret the timepiece through the poetry of Arabic calligraphy—ushering in a new chapter for the collection.
Lahej’s fluid, sculptural script is laser-engraved across the titanium case, dial and bracelet, drawing inspiration from the visionary words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “The future will be for those who can imagine, design, and implement it.” Through this engraving, the Octo Finissimo becomes more than a mechanical marvel—it becomes an artistic manifesto, capturing the imagination and ambition of a region whose creative voice continues to grow on the global stage.
The booth experience further immersed visitors in Bvlgari’s world of contemporary craftsmanship. A sculptural display featuring the collaborative watch was framed by stainless steel accents engraved with Bin Lahej’s calligraphy, set against Italian marble. Nearby, a watchmaker’s table offered live demonstrations, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to witness the meticulous precision behind the Octo Finissimo’s celebrated thinness.
A decade of innovation anchors this limited edition in a legacy of world records and design milestones. From the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon to the thinnest Minute Repeater ever created, the collection has reimagined the codes of modern horology with visionary daring. Its achievements were crowned with the Aiguille d’Or at the 2023 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève—solidifying Bvlgari’s place at the forefront of contemporary watchmaking. The Mattar Bin Lahej edition becomes the latest expression of this relentless pursuit of excellence.
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari’s Executive Director of Product Creation, collaborated closely with Lahej to ensure that every detail embodied both artistic integrity and mechanical balance. Their exchange reflects Bvlgari’s broader mission: to create timepieces that transcend function and become carriers of cultural identity. Jean-Christophe Babin, President & CEO of Bvlgari, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the LVMH Watch Division’s strong commitment to the region and its growing community of design enthusiasts and collectors.
Limited to only 70 pieces, the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo stands as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration and the evolving narrative of luxury in the Middle East. It captures the spirit of Dubai Watch Week itself—a platform where creativity, craftsmanship and culture converge to shape the future of horology. With this edition, Bvlgari not only honours its Italian roots but also pays tribute to the artistic heartbeat of the Emirates, offering collectors a timepiece that is truly timeless in meaning and form.
