In the world of horology, where precision, craftsmanship, and innovation reign supreme, few names have left such a significant mark as Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. As the Design Director at Bulgari, Buonamassa Stigliani has been responsible for some of the most technically advanced and visually stunning timepieces in recent years, including the world’s thinnest tourbillon—the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon.
At just 1.85mm thick, the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon redefined what was thought possible in mechanical watchmaking, setting a new benchmark for the ultra-thin watch category. This incredible achievement, however, is only one part of Buonamassa Stigliani’s journey to becoming one of the most influential designers in the luxury watch industry.
“The Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is thinner than the paper that I use to draw — another amazing achievement.”
— Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani
A PASSION FOR DESIGN
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s journey into the world of watchmaking began in his native Italy, where his natural inclination for design led him to explore various creative fields. Initially working as a car designer, he eventually found his true calling in the watch industry. Joining Bulgari in 2001, Buonamassa Stigliani quickly became a pivotal figure in the brand’s transformation into a leader in high-end horology.
His design philosophy blends Italian artistry with Swiss precision, focusing on both aesthetics and mechanical innovation. Buonamassa Stigliani’s goal is not just to create watches, but to tell a story through design, challenging traditional conventions while maintaining respect for the brand’s heritage.
THE OCTO FINISSIMO TOURBILLON: A TECHNICAL MASTERPIECE
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon represents a monumental achievement in the field of watchmaking. With a case thickness of only 1.85mm, this timepiece broke the record for the world’s thinnest tourbillon, an extraordinary feat considering the complexity of the movement it houses.
The movement, BVL 268 Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, was specifically engineered for this ultra-thin watch. The goal was clear: achieve the ultimate balance between mechanical performance and design simplicity, while also pushing the limits of watchmaking technology. The result was a tourbillon movement so thin that it defied traditional limits, yet it operates with remarkable precision.
Achieving such thinness required innovation in both the design of the case and the movement. By utilizing lightweight materials such as titanium and pushing the boundaries of engineering, Buonamassa Stigliani and his team were able to create a watch that combines extraordinary thinness with the intricate mechanical beauty of a tourbillon.
SIMPLICITY AND INNOVATION IN DESIGN
One of the hallmarks of Buonamassa Stigliani’s work is his ability to maintain minimalist design while incorporating cutting-edge technology. In the case of the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon, this is exemplified by its clean lines, sleek octagonal shape, and openworked dial that allows the wearer to admire the intricate movement inside.
Buonamassa Stigliani is a master of simplicity. He believes that “less is more”, and this principle is evident in his design approach. He focuses on eliminating unnecessary elements, allowing the functional and mechanical elements of the watch to speak for themselves. The watch’s thin profile and angular lines are a testament to his belief that elegance lies in simplicity and innovation.
IMPACT ON THE WATCHMAKING INDUSTRY
The Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon is not only an incredible technical achievement, but it has also raised the bar for what is possible in ultra-thin watchmaking. Bulgari’s continuous push for thinner, more complex movements has inspired other watchmakers to rethink the possibilities of thinness and mechanical complication.
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s contributions have elevated Bulgari’s position in the horological community, placing the brand at the forefront of luxury watchmaking. His work has proven that it is possible to combine extreme thinness with mechanical mastery, and in doing so, he has forever changed the landscape of modern watchmaking.
THE FUTURE OF THIN WATCHES
As the industry looks forward to the next big breakthrough in ultra-thin watchmaking, Buonamassa Stigliani’s work will undoubtedly continue to inspire new generations of designers and watchmakers. While the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon may hold the record for now, the world of watchmaking is ever-evolving, and new innovations in thin technology are on the horizon.
Buonamassa Stigliani’s influence in this field is undeniable, and his ability to marry artistic vision with technical prowess will continue to shape the future of luxury watchmaking. For now, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon stands as a testament to what is possible when creativity and precision come together in perfect harmony.
For more information on the Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon and Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani’s work, visit:
Bulgari Official Website – Octo Finissimo Collection
