21st century cult model, world record and one-of-a-kind execution
A unique timepiece: for its first participation in Only Watch, Bulgari is offering its Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar in a tantalum case. The metal is particularly well suited to this world record, which will be auctioned in Geneva on 6 November 2021.
Only Watch – the watch auction dedicated to funding research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy – consistently unites exceptional brands and one-of-a-kind creations. Bvlgari is no exception with the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Tantalum, as the Maison has chosen one of the rarest metals endowed with distinctive and unique properties: tantalum. Highly resistant to corrosion and totally biocompatible, it is used in medical engineering, the nuclear industry and electronics. Its density is 16.6 g/cm2, which makes it twice as heavy as steel. The material used by Bvlgari for the Only Watch is of absolute purity, verging on 100%.
This timepiece features a Manufacture movement featuring the most magical complication of all: the Perpetual Calendar, embodying mastery of all the calendar-related facets of time until February 2100. This 2.75 mm calibre testifying to true miniaturisation genius drives the hours and minutes hands as well as all the perpetual calendar functions, with day, month as well as retrograde date and leap-year displays.They are set by means of three correctors: one for the date at 2 o’clock, another for the month at 4 o’clock and a third for the day between 8 and 9 o’clock.
The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Tantalum for Only Watch features a deep blue dial echoing the colour of the metal. In a nod to the purpose of this unique production, the month of November (corresponding to the auction date) appears in a symbolic hue and with an abbreviation that are a nod to the Only Watch initials.
The future owner of this world record will have the privilege of owning this 21st century cult model in a one-off edition.
The Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar Tantalum will first tour the world in several stages. The watch will stop off in Dubai (30 September – 3 October) before flying to Tokyo (8 October – 10 October) and arriving in Singapore (15 October – 20 October). The watch will then leave for Hong Kong (25 October – 27 October) and Macau (28 October). It will then return to Geneva for the auction on 6 November.