Small Talk JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BABIN

Bulgari’s CEO discusses the brand’s latest world record, from Geneva Watch Days 2020

What should we know about Geneva Watch Days 2020, which happened in August?

We’re really excited about this new concept, which is a departure from traditional watch fairs like Baselworld and Watches & Wonders. It’s a digital fair, meaning 50 per cent of activity is conducted via Zoom and other online platforms. It was also open to the public, unlike previous watch fairs.

What makes Geneva Watch Days special?

The fact that this fair is open to the public means any collector visiting Switzerland could see our novelties at the same time as retailers and professional watch experts.

Tell us about the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton.

This is Bulgari’s sixth world record in six years and it demonstrates the very best of complex watchmaking. It’s the flattest tourbillon chronograph wristwatch ever made. We decided on a skeleton execution, because with skeleton designs you can immediately admire the striking fusion between the watch’s complications.

Tell us about the Octo Finissimo S.

We’ve turned Octo Finissimo into a sports watch. This collection is extremely thin, and collectors oftentimes ask: “Is it meant to be used on a daily basis? Is it sturdy enough for my daily life when I’m not necessarily in a board meeting, but instead playing tennis or on vacation going scuba diving?” The Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton comes in steel, which is strong and resistant. It’s 100 m waterproof and comes with a screw-down crown. This is a major turning point for Finissimo.