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A chronograph that blends sporty functionality with refined Italian elegance. This is the Octo Roma Chronograph: a timepiece that feels as good on the wrist as it looks.

First introduced in 2012, Bvlgari’s Octo collection showcased the brand’s architectural design and mechanical mastery. This collection stood out proudly thanks to its distinctive case design, where the round bezel with an eight-sided profile gave it a distinctive silhouette. The Octo collection, however, quickly became known for so much more than this signature design. Breaking records became the norm for the collection, as the brand kept pushing the boundaries of watchmaking through the Octo Finissimo timepieces which debuted in 2014.

Three years later, in 2017, Bvlgari introduced the latest edition to the Octo collection; the Octo Roma. This sub-collection shared a similar design style to the Octo Finissimo, however, now with a softer appearance that made this collection more elegant and ideal for everyday wear. The Octo Roma’s distinctive geometry, which featured the iconic octagonal case of the Octo collection, now softened by circular lines, offered a harmonious blend of architectural character and refined versatility, allowing the collection to seamlessly transition from casual settings to more formal occasions.

The Octo Roma collection initially featured time and date only configurations, with more complex variants such as skeletonised models becoming available as the collection grew in popularity. These additions allowed Bvlgari to showcase their technical prowess while maintaining the elegant design that is a core feature of the Octo Roma, further cementing the collection as a refined pillar within the Bvlgari Octo family.

In 2023, Bvlgari updated the Octo Roma collection with a trio of time-and-date models, and for the very first time since 2017, a pair of chronograph models. The dials of this modern and refined Octo Roma collection featured a Clous de Paris pattern, which gave the timepiece added character, especially for the time-only models. In 2024, Bvlgari released an all-black edition of the 2023 update for the time-and-date and chronograph models. The time-and-date presented a stunning aesthetic where the all-black look was perfectly contrasted with the white hands and indices, and with the added Clous de Paris pattern, it created a timepiece that was both bold and legible, while maintaining the refined Italian elegance that the Octo Roma collection was known for.

However, for me, the standout release of these modern updates to the Octo Roma collection was the 2023 chronograph, with the stunning blue dial. First introduced during LVMH Watch Week in 2023, these chronograph releases were the first of it’s complication within the Octo Roma line. The creation of chronograph timepieces was driven by the demand for a more sporty option, where previously the Octo Roma offered elegant models for easy everyday wearability. With the addition of this practical complication, the Octo Roma collection’s versatility was further expanded, all the while preserving its Italian soul.

Initial Thoughts

The first thing that stood out to me when I was handling the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch was just how well it wears on the wrist. Despite its 42mm case sizing, the short lug-to-lug distance means that the watch is smaller than it looks, and on smaller wrists like mine, it makes a huge difference. The well-balanced case profile makes it comfortable to wear, sitting well on the wrist without it feeling too bulky.

I do have to say, the unique styling of the case, where different geometric shapes align, isn’t something I’m used to so upon initially seeing and trying the watch on in person, I was not sold on the design entirely. However, as with most things, the more time I spent with the Octo Chronograph Roma Watch, the more the design began to grow on me. The way the octagonal lines blend seamlessly with the round bezel creates a distinctive character that sets the collection apart, and combined with the integrated bracelet, it gives the timepiece a premium feel. The blue and white colour combination of the dial is something I’m a big fan of, as it’s a natural contrast that also has a beautiful aesthetic appearance.

Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch Case Design

The case design of the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch is one of the timepiece’s most distinctive and defining elements. At first glance, you see a unique interplay of geometric shapes, where the iconic octagonal case seamlessly blends with the round bezel. This creates an aesthetic harmony between sharp angles and soft curves. This design, which is inspired by the original Octo collection, has been subtly tweaked so that it stands apart from the Octo Finissimo.

Upon looking at the two, you can immediately notice that the Octo Roma Chronograph has a more softer appearance, removing most of the sharp angular lines of the Finissimo case. The refined lugs and unique bezel design all remain intact, however, to preserve the identity of the Octo collection, while ensuring that the Roma offers a more versatile, everyday wear experience.

With a case diameter of 42mm, the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch strikes a balanced presence on the wrist which feels contemporary without being overwhelming. The timepiece carries a thickness of 12.4mm, which is honestly a great size for a chronograph. I personally like my chronograph timepieces to feel just a little bulky on the wrist, so that I can feel its wrist presence. Unlike time-and-date-only models which are perfectly suited to being thin, like the Bvlgari all-black model (Ref.:103927) which measures only 9.15mm thick, this Roma Chronograph embraces a slightly thicker profile to match the timepiece’s sportier and more dynamic complication.

The short and sharply angled lugs, which is a signature design of the Octo collection, contribute greatly to the timepiece’s compact wearability, despite the 42mm case size. The sharp lines also maintain the architectural integrity of the design, while the integrated bracelet flows naturally from the case, making it feel like an extension of the case’s sharp design.

The finishing of the Octo Roma Chronograph case is carried out to a high standard, as expected from Bvlgari. The satin-brushed surfaces of the case contrast beautifully against the polished bevels, adding visual depth and catching the light in different ways as you move your wrist. While the surface of the bezel features a vertical satin-brushed finish, the bezel edges feature a mirror-like polished finish. Look at the watch side on, you can see this detail being beautifully integrated into the bracelet. The “middle” links have a mirror-like polished finish, while the surrounding links are vertical satin-brushed. This contrast between the crisp geometry of the case and the various finishes of the bezel is what gives the Octo Roma Chronograph its subtle yet striking character.

Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch Dial Design

The dial of the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch is a standout feature that immediately aims to capture attention. This is thanks to the rich blue Clous de Paris pattern, alongside the beautifully contrasting blue and white colour theme. The guilloché-style Clous de Paris motif gives the dial refined texture and depth, which allows the dial to play with light beautifully while keeping that understated elegance.

I particularly like this shade of blue used on the dial as well. It’s just the right tone of blue that it works well as a fun summertime piece while being versatile enough to be worn with formal attire and not look out of place. The colour pairs well with a variety of outfits while adding a pop of character to the wrist without being overly loud. Personally, I love coloured dials, as they make the timepiece a statement piece giving it personality and presence while still retaining the elegance and refinement that you want from a watch you can wear every day.

The chronograph sub-dials are positioned at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock to give the watch a balanced look, maintaining a clean and symmetrical layout that has clean legibility, while enhancing the sportiness of the timepiece. One aspect of the dial that I feel can be improved on, however, is the date window that sits between 4 & 5 o’clock. With how the sub-dials are positioned, there isn’t really much space on the dial for a date window, however, I feel it could have been executed better. If the date wheel was colour-matched to the dial, it would better integrate with the “well proportioned” look, but as it is in white, I find that it slightly breaks the flow of what is otherwise a cohesive design. If for example we look at the black dial version of this chronograph, it features a dial colour-matching date wheel, which perfectly allows a seamless integration of the date window onto the dial without affecting the overall balanced aesthetic of the timepiece.

BVL 399 Calibre Movement

Powering the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch is the BVL 399 calibre, an automatic chronograph movement that reflects Bvlgari’s commitment to combining technical reliability with refined watchmaking. The movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH), which ensures a high level of timekeeping precision, while a 42-hour power autonomy keeps the watch ticking enough for daily wear.

The movement features a column wheel chronograph mechanism, which means that it will give a smooth pusher operation and good mechanical feedback. The BVL 399 calibre movement has been developed using the base BVL 191 calibre, which is a time and date-only movement. By building upon the BVL 191 calibre movement, Bvlgari has been able to provide a reliable and proven foundation while seamlessly adding in the chronograph complication. The result is a movement that offers dependable performance while also maintaining the slimness and wearability that makes the Octo Roma Chronograph a practical option for everyday luxury.

Turn the watch over, and you are treated to an open case back which allows you to admire the finishing and movement architecture of the BVL 399 calibre. This is where the similarities between the BVL 191 and 399 calibre become more apparent. Both movements feature base plates with Geneva stripes, along with the winding rotor also featuring Geneva stripes and “Bvlgari” engraving.

How Does the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Wear?

On the wrist, the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch feels well proportioned, even on a slimmer 16cm wrist like mine. While the 42mm case might sound large on paper, the short, angled lugs help immensely in allowing the watch to perfectly hug my wrist securely without any overhang. This allows the watch to feel compact and balanced, and not feel oversized on my wrist. The 12.4mm thickness is also another aspect of the timepiece that I personally like.

As mentioned previously, I like my chronographs to have a bit of weight, and this does that perfectly without being overbearing or feeling too thick on the wrist. It reminds you it’s there, without becoming too uncomfortable, and for a chronograph, it strikes that sweet spot between presence and wearability. And that is exactly the point, a chronograph made to be worn daily, offering the practicality of a sports watch, while maintaining elegance and a luxury aesthetic that allows it to easily transition into more formal settings.

The stainless steel integrated bracelet is one aspect that certainly adds to the premium feel of the timepiece. While it follows the sharp angular design of the case and lugs, the bracelet tapers gracefully while sitting flush against the case to create a seamless transition. The smaller links also play a crucial role in how the bracelet fits snug against the wrist, as they are able to articulate more closely around the contours of the wrist, providing both flexibility and comfort. The bracelet features a mirror-polished finish on the centre links and a vertical satin brushed finish on the outer links. This varied finishing shows Bvlgari’s attention to detail and gives the watch a much more luxurious look.

The varied finishing also applied to the case as well. As mentioned in the case design, the satin-brushed surfaces contrast beautifully with the polished surfaces such as the lugs and bezel edges, giving the watch a dynamic appearance and wrist presence. These various finishes also balance out the angular architectural lines of the case and bracelet to make this a timepiece that can be worn to a business meeting, a weekend of outdoor activities, or even for a morning coffee run.

For the time I had the watch, I had the chance to wear it to many different occasions, from the movies, coffees, and lunch gatherings to evening drinks. The watch was an ideal accessory to complement the various outfits I paired it with, effortlessly shifting between casual to slightly dressier settings. It always added just the right amount of wrist presence and character, proving that this Octo Roma Chronograph Watch truly lives up to its promise of being a refined daily companion with a sporty edge.

Final Thoughts

After spending some time with the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch, I’ve come to appreciate just how well it balances sporty functionality with refined elegance. Initially, I wasn’t a big fan of the architectural design of the case, but the more I wore the timepiece, the more it grew on me. I particularly appreciated Bvlgari’s thoughtful design, such as integrating the chronograph pushers as an extension of the case design.

What made me like this timepiece in particular, compared to say the black dial chronograph of the Octo Roma Chronograph Watch, is the blue and white dial colour combination. The blue Clous de Paris dial adds a touch of vibrancy and personality without being overpowering, while the white SuperLumi-Nova filled hands and indices provide an excellent contrast for easy legibility. This is a colour pairing that for me makes this watch so versatile, giving that outdoors fun vibrant aesthetic that can still easily be worn to more formal settings.

Bvlgari has done an excellent job in expanding the Octo Roma Chronograph collection with the addition of these chronograph models. The timepieces stay true to the design DNA which makes the Octo line so recognisable, while adding practical complication for those who want something sportier. This is a watch that doesn’t just look good on photos but also feels great on the wrist. A timepiece that blends Italian design flair with Swiss watchmaking precision, the Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch has definitely earned its place as a daily companion!

Specification: Bvlgari Octo Roma Chronograph Watch (Ref:103829)

• Dimensions: 42mm x 12.4mm thick x 43.5mm lug-to-lug distance
• Case Material: Stainless steel with polished and satin-brushed finishes
• Dial: Blue Clous de Paris dial with white SuperLumi-Nova for hands and indices. Date window between 4 and 5 o’clock.
• Water Resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
• Movement: Automatic BVL 399 calibre
• Movement Power reserve: 42 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
• Crystal: Sapphire with antireflective coating
• Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with satin-brushed and polished finishing. Quick strap change to change to additional blue rubber strap.

Australian Recommended Retail Price: AU$ 14,800

Availability: Available now through Bvlgari boutiques and authorised retailers, or head online to Bvlgari.com.au