Luxury is all in the finishing. It’s the element that elevates a timepiece from simply well-made to true haute horology and makes more of a difference than you might think. Case in point, the latest pair of pieces from Bulgari, the Octo Finisssimo Automatic Satin Polished.

Previously the record-breaking automatic watch has only been available in a sandblasted case. It’s given the whole thing a cool, contemporary vibe, a little less luxurious but much more modern than your average pricey timepiece. Now Bulgari has developed the formula with gold and steel cases in a new satin-brushed finish.

The ingredients in the recipe are still very much the same, with that angular Gerald Genta case, but the new satin-polished case adds a whole new dimension. Not only is there a lovely contrast between the grained dial and the case, but between the various satin polished and brushed parts of the case itself.

The gold version is equipped with a black leather strap to match the dial, while the steel edition is on a seriously cool steel bracelet.

Otherwise, the new Octo models are the same as the sandblasted versions. They’ve upped the water-resistance to a more practical 100m, but the ultra-thin automatic movement is the same, as are the 40mm wide, 5.25mm high dimensions. It’s a relatively small change, but the more options for the Octo Finissimo there are, the better.

Price & Specs:

Model Name: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Satin-Polished

Reference: 103297 (steel on bracelet), 103286 (gold on strap)

Case/Dial: 40mm diameter x 5.25mm height – ultra-thin case, polished and brushed in steel or in 18k rose gold

Water resistance: 100m

Movement: Calibre BVL138, in-house – ultra-thin automatic movement with micro-rotor

Power Reserve: 60h

Strap: (steel model) steel bracelet, satin-polished, folding clasp, (gold model) alligator strap with 18k rose gold pin buckle

Price: USD 12,000 (steel), USD 20,400 (gold)

More details at Bulgari’s website.