The 37mm Bulgari Octo Finnissimo Is Finally Here

Not to be hyperbolic about three millimeters, but a downsized diameter is game-changing for the Bulgari Octo Finissimo. Collectors had called for it, but a new movement was required to make it a reality. Now it’s here. Its thickness is ever so slightly more than that of the 40mm model which enthusiasts have known for a dozen years, but its fit and proportions make for a totally different wearing experience. This is more or less the Octo Finissimo the way I'd always wanted it to be, and it’s sure to be one of the standout releases of Watches and Wonders 2026.

Introduced in three Solo Tempo (time-only) variants, two are in titanium. Echoing existing case finishes in the collection, one is fully sandblasted and matte while the other is mixed brushed and polished. Another time-only model is in full 18k yellow gold, and— bonus— there’s also a minute repeater offered in this new size (in sandblasted titanium), but it’s of course a different beast entirely with a different movement. Here, we’re focusing on the headlining time-only models. 

One reason there hasn’t been another size option until now? The answer’s in that beautifully caseback-filling view of the 40mm Octo Finissimo’s movement, the BVL 138 which itself is 36.6mm wide. The new movement is called the BVF 100, and it's at least as good-looking. At 31mm wide by 2.35mm thick, it's 0.12mm thicker than the BVL 138, and that translates to a case measuring 6.45mm— a full 1.3mm thicker than the 40mm model (5.15mm). 

Both in-house movements feature micro rotors for automatic winding but, in addition to the differences of dimensions, the new movement also offers a greater power reserve of three days (72 hours) and attractive finishing with shimmering Geneva stripes that radiate from the balance wheel. Bulgari says the movement was in development for three years.

Why is a 37mm variant a big deal? The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is massively popular, a hype watch. There’s always been a little bit of a disconnect, however, between everything that makes it so cool and the moment of snapping it on the wrist. At least, that was the experience for me, but others have presumably felt the same. Being very flat and light (many variants have been in titanium) helps, of course, but the 40mm case sat awkwardly and expansively on my 6.5in (17cm) wrist. That’s in part due to its shape.

Yes, the Octo Finissimo’s dial and case are nominally octagonal and its bezel is round— and 40mm doesn’t sound big. But the footprint is almost squarish, and those familiar with watch sizes will likely know that square and rectangular cases wear larger than the same specs would suggest for a traditionally round watch. Thus, a squarish watch measuring 37mm is going to have a slightly more prominent presence than you might expect. But does that make it “perfect?”

It’s all abstract until you put it on the wrist. Doing so confirmed it for me, and all the coolness and interest that was always associated with the model was suddenly also proportional and ergonomic. I had the chance to very briefly see and try the Octo Finissimo 37 ahead of the release, and just snap a couple quick pictures. Hopefully they illustrate its excellent wearability. But we’re at Watches and Wonders this week and will be getting more pictures of the different variants and more to share with you soon. 

Price for the Bulgari Octo Finissimo 37 in titanium is $16,600 with a bead-blasted finish (consistent with pricing for the 40mm model in the same finish and material) or $17,400 with mixed brushing and polishing. The price in 18k yellow gold is $48,300. 

Learn more on Bulgari’s website, here.