Introducing: Bulgari Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo

What We Know

Bulgari’s newest collaborative endeavor, utilizing the blank canvas of the Octo Finissimo, is a new collaboration that brings to life 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, as beautiful, cultural, wearable art. The 40mm by 5mm sandblasted titanium case features laser-engraved calligraphy from Sheikh Maktoum saying, “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.”

This isn’t the first time Bulgari has used laser-engraved case treatment on one of the brand’s Octo Finissimo watches. You may remember the Octo Finissimo Tattoo series. The concept makes sense for a functional piece of art. Here, Bulgari has taken the concept a step further by working with celebrated Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. 

His work appears prominently (and similarly) on the exterior of the Dubai Museum of the Future. In a pre-Dubai Watch Week interview, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, the brand’s Creative Director of watches, told me that collaborating on a project like this is no easy task. To put calligraphy like this on an object requires special permission, further compounded by the fact that the calligraphy itself quotes His Highness Sheikh Al Maktoum.

The release, which is Bulgari’s offering at Dubai Watch Week 2025, is powered by the brand’s BVL 138 microrotor automatic movement, beating at 21,600bph, and is decorated by hand with Côtes de Genève, chamfering, and finishing. The movement has a 60-hour power reserve. Limited to only 70 pieces, the watch has a transparent caseback signed by the artist and retails for €23,000.

What We Think

This isn’t the first Dubai-focused limited edition from Bulgari (a topic I’ll cover in an upcoming hands-on with the watch), but it is far and away the best. It is also one of the best Middle East-focused releases I’ve seen. This is actually something I’ve thought a lot about. I have a degree in Middle East Studies and studied Arabic in college, and viewed through that lens, I find this to be a really thoughtful approach to the culture and art of the region. The price seems steep, but as a limited-edition release, I’m sure they’ll quickly find a home for all of these watches.

The Basics

Brand: Bulgari
Model: Mattar Bin Lahej x Octo Finissimo
Reference Number: 104311

Diameter: 40mm
Thickness: 5mm
Case Material: Sandblasted titanium
Dial Color: Laser-engraved Arabic calligraphy, continuing on to the case
Indexes: None
Lume: None
Water Resistance: 30m
Strap/Bracelet: Sandblasted titanium with laser engraving

The Movement

Caliber: BVL 138
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds
Thickness: 2.23mm
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Winding: Automatic micro-rotor
Frequency: 21,600 bph
Chronometer Certified: No
Additional Details: Hand decoration

Pricing & Availability

Price: €23,000
Availability: Now
Limited Edition: Yes, 70 pieces

For more, click here.