Bvlgari, The Magnificent Roman High Jeweler returns to Dubai Watch Week and unveils a limited-edition watch that bridges Italian design with Emirati artistry: The Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the 7th edition of Dubai Watch Week runs from 19-23 November at Dubai Mall, Burj Park.
The Octo Finissimo: The Blank Canvas
Since its debut, the Octo Finissimo has exemplified radical elegance and uncompromising finesse, blending Roman architectural inspiration with Swiss watchmaking mastery. Beyond its technical brilliance, the timepiece has become a “blank canvas,” offering artists a platform to reinterpret its sleek, minimalistic form. Over the years, this has led to a series of remarkable collaborations, where creativity meets horological precision.
For Dubai Watch Week 2025, Bvlgari marks a new chapter in this ongoing dialogue by partnering with celebrated Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. His calligraphic artistry is brought to life on the Maison’s iconic Octo Finissimo, creating a unique fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary innovation.
Since its introduction in 2014, the Octo Finissimo collection has become a modern icon, setting no fewer than ten world records for thinness in watchmaking. From the groundbreaking Octo Finissimo Tourbillon to the extraordinary Octo Finissimo Minute Repeater – the world’s thinnest chiming watch – Bvlgari has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological engineering. The collection’s distinctive design characterized by its architectural geometry, sharp lines, and minimalist aesthetic, has redefined the codes of contemporary elegance. Each new iteration of the Octo Finissimo continues this saga of technical mastery, blending Italian design with Swiss precision to create timepieces that are both sculptures and instruments of time. Culminating this decade of innovation, the Octo Finissimo Ultra, introduced in 2022 as the world’s thinnest mechanical watch at just 1.80 mm, epitomizes Bvlgari’s relentless pursuit of excellence. This extraordinary achievement was crowned in 2023 when Bvlgari received the prestigious Aiguille d’Or at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), recognizing the Octo Finissimo’s unparalleled contribution to contemporary watchmaking.
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bvlgari’s Executive Director of Product Creation, and Bin Lahej engaged in a creative exchange that reflects Bvlgari’s enduring commitment to connecting art, heritage, and innovation across diverse cultural narratives. Their dialogue blended the precision of Italian design with the fluid rhythm of Arabic calligraphy, resulting in a timepiece that embodies dual artistry: the technical rigor of Swiss horology and the emotional resonance of Emirati expression.
Under Buonamassa’s creative direction, Bvlgari has transformed the Octo Finissimo into an emblem of Italian contemporary design and mechanical daring. His vision continues to guide the Maison’s evolution, ensuring that every new creation not only measures time but also embodies the spirit of modern artistry, that perfectly translates into the Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo timepiece.
An Immersive Bvlgari Booth
Since its debut, the Octo Finissimo has epitomized radical elegance and uncompromising finesse, seamlessly blending Roman architectural inspiration with Swiss watchmaking mastery. For Dubai Watch Week 2025, Bvlgari’s marks a groundbreaking first: a collaboration with renowned Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, fusing his exquisite calligraphic artistry with the Maison’s iconic timepiece. This milestone underscores Bvlgari’s commitment to weaving together heritage, innovation, and the rich cultural narratives of the region. Bvlgari booth at Dubai Watch Week will captivate visitors with a window showcase featuring the collaboration watch, highlighted by Mattar’s signature calligraphy, elegantly presented on metal accents atop marble. The surrounding booth invites engagement, featuring a watchmaker’s table, live demonstrations, and seating areas where guests can observe the craftsmanship up close.
Jean-Christophe Babin, President & CEO of Bvlgari and CEO of LVMH Watch Division added “I’m very proud and honored to see, besides Bvlgari, all LVMH Watch Division brands, from TAG Heuer to Zenith and Hublot, participating to this unique event with major news further enhancing LVMH commitment to Swiss Watches as well as to creative passion in a region which has always been very passionate and supportive of our Brands”.
The Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo: Art Engraved in Titanium
The limited-edition Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo is adorned with laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy across its titanium case, bracelet, and dial. Drawing inspiration from the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai — “The future will be for those who can imagine, design, and implement it. The future does not wait, but it can be designed and built today.” — the engraving transforms the ultra-thin case into a vessel of artistic resonance and technical precision.
This exclusive creation reflects Bvlgari’s vision of honoring heritage while shaping the future of time.
