When it comes to purchasing your next wristwatch, you may want to pay attention to the diameter or lug-to-lug measurement for comfort and weight. However, fractions of a millimeter won’t make any noticeable difference. But in the highly competitive world of record-breaking thinness, these fractions definitely matter. Almost two years after being dethroned, Bulgari comes back with a new world record for thinnest mechanical watch thanks to its Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC at just 1.7mm thick.
In just about a decade, Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo line has claimed eight different watchmaking world records, including that of the world’s thinnest chronograph watch and the world’s thinnest perpetual calendar. Back in 2022, Bulgari stole back the crown for creating the “world’s thinnest mechanical watch” after losing its title to Piaget. The latter’s AUC model was previously presumed unbeatable at 2mm thick but the Italian watchmaker came in with the Octo Finissimo Ultra at 1.8mm. However, four months later, Richard Mille threw its hat in the ring with its RM-UP01 collab with Ferrari, which measured 1.75mm. But all is right in the world again as Bulgari sits on top with the new 1.7-mm timepiece.
Looking and operating similarly to the 1.8-mm version of the Octo Finissimo, the new Ultra COSC for 2024 is able to achieve more thinness due to its reworked 40mm titanium case to allow for the sapphire crystal to be even thinner (just a mere 0.1mm thinner to be exact). Perhaps the biggest difference here is the COSC certification for accuracy, which creates a second record for thinnest chronometer-certified timepiece as well. Another addition this time around is its accompanying case which sets and winds your watch for you with the touch of a button.
Limited to just 20 pieces, the Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC will be difficult to obtain even if you have the required $529,000 on the price tag. You can head over to Bulgari’s website to learn more.
