INTRODUCING: The Bulgari Octo Roma Steel

Bulgari. Known to most people outside of the industry for their luxurious jewelry, the brand has been in the watch world since the 1970s and quickly cemented itself as a key player and driving force behind innovation. Their signature style pairs the flair of Italian jewelry with the precision and skill of Swiss horology. Fusing both of these skill sets has enabled them to master rare materials and gemstones like no other brand. Drawing their design cues from Italian and Roman culture, Bulgari gives life to the world-famous Leitmotives for yet another era. Of the brand’s designs, the Octo and the Serpenti are by far the most famous, with sub-collections like the Roma giving enthusiasts and collectors plenty of choice. Let’s see what this new Octo Roma collection is all about.

The Basics:

Brand: Bulgari

Model: Roma Steel Automatic and Roma Steel Chronograph

Case Material: Steel

Case Size: 41mm for the Automatic and 42mm for the Chronograph

Water Resistance: 100m

Movement: Caliber BVL 191 for the Automatic and Calibre BVL 399 for the Chronograph

Movement Specs: Date, Hours, Minutes, Seconds, and Chronograph on the specific model.

Strap Options: Black Rubber or Alligator Leather Strap with Black Pin Buckle.

The Juice:

A contemporary extension of the Octo collection, the Roma, launched in 2012, offers a more understated and subdued luxury to the brand’s fans. Keeping with the signature octagonal case and Roman-inspired aesthetic, the Roma collection strays delightfully from the original brief. Instead, it feels sophisticated and versatile, with the Roma taking many different forms and complications into the range. All of this without compromising that distinctive aesthetic. Let’s get straight into these new pieces…

Bulgari Octo Roma Automatic:

Sporty. Contemporary. Versatile. You couldn’t really pick 3 words that better describe this new Bulgari Octo Roma 3-Hand Automatic. The Octagonal case has come a long way since it was first released, but the Roman inspiration is unmissable. The black DLC finish makes the watch look super sleek, which paired with the textured rubber strap makes a fearsome combo. The famous Clous de Paris pattern which has been etched into the dial are a reminder of its Swiss heritage. The fully lumed indices and handset make the watch super legible, no compromise has been made on either its functionality or its aesthetics. If you want to catch a glimpse of the beautifully finished Caliber BVL 191, Bulgari have provided a sapphire caseback for just that. Also available on a black alligator leather strap, this watch is perfect for dressing up and down for any occasion.

Bulgari Octo Roma Chronograph:

Slightly bigger in every dimension, the Octo Roma Chronograph doesn’t compromise on any of the versatility and sportiness of the previous watch. The chronograph has been seamlessly integrated into the Octo Roma’s signature case, meaning that the watch’s aesthetic is not compromised in the slightest. The Clous de Paris texture is obviously found across both the dial and black rubber strap, as a nod to its Swiss roots. The Chronograph boasts two sub-dials, that have been given a sunburst finish to increase their legibility- this is often a problem on some high-end chronographs, but certainly not this one. Sport-chic is definitely the best way to describe this watch, and the interchangeable rubber and leather straps really help it achieve this with flair and panache, all whilst being remaining sleek and stealthy. This is the first monochromatic version of the Octo Roma Chronograph and they’ve absolutely nailed it.

So how much does the Bulgari Octo Roma Steel collection watches cost?

The Bulgari Octo Roma Steel collection watches will retail for a currently undisclosed sum.

Read more about the watch on the brands website here.