Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has done it Once again aroused curiosityThis time with her choice of wrist wear, showcasing a timepiece that seamlessly blends innovation and luxury. Unveiling Meta’s latest AI model, the Llama 3.3, his ultra-thin Bulgari watch equally shared the spotlight, wowing netizens with its design and engineering marvel.
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is the thinnest mechanical watch ever made that combines innovation, precision and luxury in a package thinner than two stacked credit cards.
This groundbreaking timepiece showcases the artistry of horology and highlights the intense competition between luxury brands to push the boundaries of design and functionality. Its thickness of just 1.7mm sets the benchmark in watchmaking and arouses curiosity about it. Extraordinary process and technology After its creation.
In an interaction with indianexpress.com, watch enthusiast and digital growth marketer, Mehul Bhagwani explores the meticulous artistry and ingenuity behind this remarkable creation.
Primary challenges
Bhagwani says. “Creating something like the Octo Finissimo Ultra isn’t just about reducing parts – it’s about completely rethinking how a watch is made. Traditional movements stack components vertically, but that approach doesn’t work on something this thin. Bulgari should have gone horizontal, the components Spreading on a flat plane.”
“And then there’s the matter of strength,” he adds, noting that parts as thin as 0.1mm are inherently weak, so each tiny piece must be engineered to handle the brittleness. Misalignment is another risk when minimizing structural supports. Accuracy isn’t just important – it’s critical.
How does COSC certification complicate things?
Achieving COSC certification means that a watch must keep time within -4/+6 seconds per day. “For a watch this thin, this is a big challenge. With less material, there is less stability, which makes the movement more sensitive to shocks, temperature changes and general wear,” notes Bhagwani.
He informs that Bulgari had to optimize the BVL Caliber 180 movement – essentially reworking how the components interact to ensure stability. “It’s micro-engineering at its best, the balance The need for accuracy With the constraints of ultra-slim design.”
The role of materials such as titanium and sapphire crystal
These ingredients are the backbone of Octo Finissimo Ultra, highlighting the divine. “Titanium is light, durable, and looks modern with its sandblasted finish. It’s the perfect choice for cases and bracelets that need to be thin but tough enough for everyday wear,” he says.
The sapphire crystal used on the dial and caseback adds scratch resistance and structural integrity without adding bulk. These materials allow the watch to be feather-light yet durable, proving that thin doesn’t mean flimsy.
With a thickness of only 1.7mm, it sets a benchmark in watchmaking and arouses curiosity about the extraordinary processes and techniques behind its creation. (Source: Instagram/BVLGARI Official)
How will such innovation affect the watch industry?
Bhagwani comments, “The Octo Finissimo Ultra is more than a technical achievement – it’s a statement. It’s forced the watchmaking world to rethink what’s possible. Other brands should now consider how they can do it.” Push the boundaries In thinness, material and movement design.
The trend isn’t just about aesthetics, according to Bhagwani; It’s about celebrating the engineering behind minimalism. “Watches like this show that luxury isn’t just about gold and diamonds; it’s about craftsmanship, innovation, and the courage to do things that haven’t been done before,” he emphasizes.
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC is more than just a watch. It’s a bold declaration that horology can be both art and science—and that even something as small as a wristwatch has room to break records and redefine possibilities.