



86≌
Bulgari
Ref. 104217
Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch – TimeForArt Edition
A unique pink gold wristwatch with chronograph and GMT function, sold to benefit Swiss Institute
- Estimate
- $40,000 - 80,000•
- Manufacturer
- Bulgari
- Year
- 2024
- Reference No
- 104217
- Case No
- BU9VLFD
- Model Name
- Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch – TimeForArt Edition
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Calibre
- BVL 318
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K pink gold Bulgari bracelet with integrated folding clasp
- Dimensions
- 43mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed. Personalized caseback with TimeForArt logo and “esemplare unico 1 / 1” marking
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Bulgari presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
This year, Bulgari celebrates its 140th anniversary. For this special occasion, the Manufacture ventures into uncharted territory as it introduces a series of watches with an illustrated dial, revealing the caliber of each timepiece.
The Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Sketch embodies this innovative approach, featuring a 43 mm satin-polished rose gold case with a slimness of 8.75 mm to elegantly house its GMT chronograph complications. The automatic Manufacture movement with a peripheral oscillating weight provides a 55-hour power reserve. This design, pivotal for the watch’s record-breaking thinness in 2019, incorporates a caliber measuring a mere 3.3 mm in height that not only includes a 30-minute chronograph and central second but also displays a second time zone at 3 o'clock.
This unique piece for Time for Art showcases a sketch featuring key elements of the dial and the back of the movement. Skillfully blending the iconic chronograph display (GMT at 3 o'clock, 30-minute counter at 6 o'clock, small seconds at 9 o'clock) with a balance represented between 4 and 5 o'clock, the emblematic column wheel at 8 o'clock, and exquisite finishing details on the bridges and gears. The open caseback reveals the original BVL 318 caliber with special marking "esemplare unico 1/1" and “Time For Art logo”.
Bulgari
ItalianOriginally from Kalarites, Greece, Sotirios Voulgaris emigrated to Rome because of Greece's rising poverty and difficulty separating from the Ottoman Empire. He set foot on Italian soil in 1880 with little money in his pocket and spent the next four years preparing what would go on to become Italy's oldest jewelry company.
In 1884, Bulgari opened its doors to the Italian people with its offering of jewelry and accessories. Bulgari's style takes from traditions in Greek and Roman craftsmanship to elegantly balance volume and subtlety. Later, in the late 1960s, Bulgari bridged classicism and modernity by introducing its seductive, now-iconic Serpenti collection of snake-shaped coil bracelets and watches. It is through its meticulous combination of influences that Bulgari has garnered an international and loyal high-profile clientele, which included Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. These Hollywood stars have immortalized the house's unique gem-adorned bracelets, necklaces and earrings in rounded forms.