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Two of the newest additions to Bvlgari’s Octo Roma lineup highlight how the Roman watchmaker uses black to create modern expressions of light and depth
<figure id="attachment_103511" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-103511" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-103511" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1577199-R1.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="858" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1577199-R1.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1577199-R1-224x300.jpg 224w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-103511" class="wp-caption-text">Bvlgari’s Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC</figcaption></figure>
Rome, the Eternal City, has inspired untold many works of art, including in the realm of fine watchmaking. Foremost among these, it can be argued, is Bvlgari’s Octo Roma family of watches. Initially launched in 2012, the design stood out for its unconventional geometry featuring an octagonal shape inspired by the vaults of the Basilica di Massenzio (aka the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine or simply the Basilica of Maxentius). At the same time, the Octo Roma also pays homage to the classical traditions of Swiss watchmaking by showcasing the Clou de Paris motif on its dial and using superb in-house mechanical movements assembled in Le Sentier.
Now, a particularly interesting chapter in the Octo saga was the release of the first Ultranero model, which highlighted Bvlgari’s approach to using the color black as a way to enhance shapes, materials and textures, thereby offering an intensity and contrast that enrich the inherent aesthetic of each piece. The same approach now underlies two new additions to the Octo Roma family: the Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC and the Octo Roma Chronograph Steel DLC.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-103510" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Chrono-Steel-DLC_103932_002.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="481" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Chrono-Steel-DLC_103932_002.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Chrono-Steel-DLC_103932_002-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" />
The first of the two novelties, the new Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC, is a simple three-hand and date model that takes the original spirit of the Octo Roma and spins a fresh new tale around it. The 41mm case is crafted in stainless-steel which is fully treated with black DLC. Then, moving inwards, we come to the black dial, which is where the magic happens.
The design of this Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC’s dial is sober and unencumbered, which allows the collection’s signature Clou de Paris pattern to really stand out. While the Clou de Paris is a classic motif in haute horlogerie, the way it is presented here is quite novel. As the surface of the dial is given a black DLC finish, it appears uniformly black when viewed from a distance, but comes alive when viewed up close as each Pyramid-shaped hobnail reflects incoming light in all directions. The overall play of light is simply mesmerizing.
Furthermore, the hands of the watch along with the 12 and 6 hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova, which also add to the play of light on the dial when the sun goes down. Meanwhile, on the flipside, the transparent caseback provides an uninterrupted view of the in-house Caliber BVL 191 movement with its oscillating mass decorated with the Côtes de Genève graining.
<figure id="attachment_103509" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-103509" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-103509" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_04.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="500" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_04.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_04-300x234.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-103509" class="wp-caption-text">Caseback of the Bvlgari Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC</figcaption></figure>
As a final flourish, the watch comes with two strap variations: a rubber strap with a Clous de Paris texture and a black alligator leather strap. Switching with the two is made simple thanks to the use of a the quick release system.
Next up, we have the sturdy and sporty Octo Roma Chronograph Steel DLC. Much like its three-hands sibling, the chronograph model also comes in a stainless-steel case with black DLC treatment, but it measures slightly larger at 42mm. The pushers on this chronograph are also subtly integrated into the case as to maintain the Octo Roma’s sleek, contemporary silhouette.
On the dial, this timepiece focuses a lot more on showcasing the original chronograph layout. As such, it has a small seconds counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter positioned at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 9 o’clock. And while the dial still bears the collection’s signature Clous de Paris motif, the three sub-dials are given a sunburst finish to ensure readability. And ticking below all of these is Bvlgari’s in house Caliber BVL 399 movement.
<figure id="attachment_103508" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-103508" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-103508" src="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_03.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="500" srcset="https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_03.jpg 640w, https://backend.daman.co.id/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bulgari-2024_Octo-Roma-Automatic-Steel-DLC_103927_03-300x234.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-103508" class="wp-caption-text">Side view of the three-hands version</figcaption></figure>
Finally, like its Automatic sibling, the Octo Roma Chronograph Steel DLC features a quick-release system which allows the wearer to easily switch from the rubber strap bearing the Clous de Paris texture to the black alligator leather strap.
By merging cutting edge advances in watchmaking with the hallowed traditions of Swiss haute horlogerie, then adding a dash of Italian craftsmanship and Roman aesthetics, the Bvlgari Octo Roma continues to present sleek and harmonious timekeepers.
TEXT Joezer Mandagi

Inside the refreshed shades of the Bvlgari Octo Roma

Bvlgari Octo Roma,

joezer mandagi,

Octo Roma Automatic Steel DLC,

Octo Roma Chronograph Steel DLC