CHRISTOPHE CLARET
The 42mm case, the smallest diameter in the Christophe Claret collections, asserts its style with a curvex shape that accentuates its trim design. The choice of a glass dome to serve as a bezel provides a whole new perspective on the movement. Christophe Claret never misses out on a chance to express his creative audacity through original displays running counter to traditional design codes. The large date that the watchmaker has cleverly placed at 5 o’clock, composed of two cones, one for the tens on the upper part and the second for the units, this patented large date display performs a semi-instantaneous jump between midnight and twenty past midnight. As if to echo the 3D effect of this voluminous date display, another cone shape draws the gaze to the space between 3 and 4 o’clock. Never one to stint on playful complications liable to fire the imagination of watch connoisseurs, Christophe Claret unveils another brand-new function. Inspired by the expression “tie a knot in your handkerchief” to help one remember something important, MEMO is an ingenious mechanical reminder intended for absentminded individuals as well as fans of technical gadgets. At just 3.95mm thick, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic claims a new watch industry record for Bvlgari’s mastery of the watchmaking art. Working on the basis of the Finissimo Tourbillon movement launched in 2014, the new Calibre BVL 288 handles automatic winding via an innovative and attractive peripheral oscillating weight positioned on the back of the movement. It is made of white gold and aluminium, two metals whose contrasting density enables the circular weight to oscillate in a particularly regular manner. The movement also incorporates a flying tourbillon equipped with a ballbearing system contributing to the reduced thickness. Measuring just 1.95mm thick and endowed with a 52-hour power reserve, Calibre BVL 288 Finissimo is housed in a sandblasted titanium case revealing the entirely openworked skeleton movement displaying all its internal organs. Octo Finissimo Automatic Tourbillon also indicates the hours, minutes and small seconds. An opening on the back of the watch, depicting the stylised motif adorning the entrance of the boutique on the Via Condotti in Rome, provides a chance to admire both the tourbillon and the oscillating weight in action.