Bulgari has unveiled the new Laurent Grasso X Octo Finissimo watch, draped entirely in a deep midnight blue, from case to bracelet, subtly reflects light, the watch appears immersed in darkness, evoking the tranquillity of a post-sunset sky.
Grasso is a conceptual artist whose work has been exhibited at the Pompidou Centre in Paris, as well as around the world. Laurent Grasso plays with ambiguity and mystery, challenging our perceptions of reality. Fascinated with electromagnetic energy and paranormal phenomena, Grasso’s artwork explores the unseen and intangible.
The Laurent Grasso X Bulgari Octo Finissimo has a deep blue dial with a cloud that casts “rainbow-like reflections” that create what the brand calls a “mysterious, elusive presence”.
“I thought of iridescent clouds – unique and almost magical formations,” Grasso said. “The particles in suspension and myriad frozen water droplets diffract light, rendering the cloud iridescent with multiple colours. I find this phenomenon fascinating and the dialogue with Fabrizio began with looking for ways of recreating it on the dial.”
The 40mm sandblasted titanium case, with a thickness of just 5mm, has a matte blue PVD coating that extends to the bracelet and dial. Lightweight, ultra-thin and as ethereal as you get in the watchmaking world, the case is a fitting receptacle for the artwork on the dial.
The minimalist design of this timepiece reflects the world of Laurent Grasso, who signs the case back that revealing different components of the remarkable ultra-thin BVL 138 automatic movement developed and manufactured at the Bulgari manufacturer in Le Sentier with a 60 hour power reserve.
The Laurent Grasso X Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a limited edition of 200 pieces and comes in a presentation box signed by Laurent Grasso. The price is CHF 18,900 or EUR 22,000.