WITH EIGHT WORLD records in as many years, it’s hard to imagine that Bulgari’s watchmaking endeavours only began in earnest a little over 20 years ago. Then, seeking to establish itself as a respectable watchmaking house, the famed Italian jeweller acquired both the Gérald Genta and Daniel Roth brands in 2000, along with their manufacturing facilities in Le Sentier. Italian designer Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani joined in 2001 where one of his first briefs was to design a bracelet for the Octo.
Moving the brand’s watchmaking design team from Rome to Neuchâtel, Switzerland, he and his team got to work, reimagining the Octo as something bold and modern. By 2012, the Octo was born: a polished steel and satin octagonal case featuring an unprecedented 110 facets with a round bezel, a black lacquer dial and an alligator leather strap. Two short years later, Bulgari changed the game (and cemented its legitimacy forever) with the launch of the Octo Finissimo.
In English, Finissimo can be translated to something approximating “superfine”. The design was unmistakably new and more importantly, it’s our generation’s “Royal Oak” moment, an equivalence that Antoine Pin, the Head of Bulgari watchmaking, humbly disagrees. Nevertheless, no one is considering Bulgari as a jeweller first and watchmaker second. They’ve achieved legitimacy in 20 years in an industry which counts provenance in centuries.
It looks like there’s a world record for the Octo Finissimo every year now, for over eight consecutive years. How many more years can you continue this streak?
Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av August Man Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra August 2022-utgaven av August Man Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.