Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani breathes life into the Octo Finissimo Automatic and Chronograph GMT models with his unique "Sketch" dial concept, marking Bulgari's 140th anniversary. These designs offer a captivating glimpse into the movement through artistic dial illustrations, crafted in either 40mm of 18K rose gold or steel for the Automatic, and a polished 43mm steel for the Chronograph GMT.

First Impressions: My encounter with the original "Sketch" Chronograph GMT left an indelible mark, becoming a favorite piece. Bulgari's challenge to reproduce the intricate, hand-drawn aesthetic of the dial now extends to this latest series, potentially surpassing the allure of the original sketches.

A New Perspective: Diverging from traditional dial designs, Buonamassa Stigliani sketches depict the watch's movement intricately, akin to viewing through a display caseback. This innovative approach provides a detailed look at the movement's components, enhancing the watch's allure.

Chronograph GMT's Charm: While details on the Chronograph GMT are forthcoming, its dial design is already anticipated to captivate, possibly becoming a new favorite for its refined aesthetic.

Limited Editions: The Automatic versions will see a release of 280 steel units at €17,800 and 70 rose gold units at €51,000. The Chronograph GMT is even more exclusive, with just 140 steel pieces available at €20,800, each celebrating Bulgari's historic milestone.

A Celebration of Design: The Octo Finissimo’s unique design has significantly impacted the watch industry, especially during a period favoring vintage-inspired pieces. This new "Sketch" series further underscores the design's lasting appeal and Bulgari's innovative spirit.

Divisive Yet Desirable: The "Sketch" models may polarize opinions, but they stand as a testament to the Octo Finissimo's design origins and the artistic vision behind its creation. While they forgo the traditional Octo dial's depth and texture, these watches offer a unique perspective on Bulgari's design philosophy, appealing particularly to collectors.

For enthusiasts of the Octo Finissimo series, the "Sketch" editions offer a distinctive contrast to standard models, enriching a collection with their unique artistry and homage to the watch's conception.

Bulgari's new "Sketch" limited editions breathe new life into the revered Octo Finissimo collection, blending artistic creativity with horological excellence. As these timepieces join the lineup, they promise to captivate both longstanding fans and new admirers of Bulgari’s watchmaking artistry.