Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
WatchRanker
Search
For vendors
Blog

Bulgari Octo Ultranero 102738: A Crimson-and-Black Hands-on Review

Bulgari’s Octo Ultranero 102738 pairs a dark, angular 41 mm case and glossy black dial with vivid red hands and indexes. Here’s what the 2017 review and Bulgari’s family brochure establish—and what they don’t.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Bulgari Octo Ultranero reference 102738 makes its black, angular case and glossy dial more expressive with crimson hands and indexes. In Felix Scholz’s February 2017 hands-on review, the red treatment is a cosmetic change rather than a new mechanical proposition: the watch is described with a 41 mm black DLC-treated steel case, BVL 193 automatic movement, 100 m water resistance and a rubber strap. Its appeal is the contrast—stealthy architecture with a vivid, sporty accent.

What makes reference 102738 different?

Scholz identifies the watch as a crimson-and-black version of the Octo Ultranero and calls its changes “purely cosmetic.” The red hands and indexes stand out against a glossy black lacquer dial, bringing a sharper, more dramatic character to the dark case. The review describes the case as 41 mm black DLC-treated steel and the strap as black rubber. These details come from the 2017 review, not a current product listing. Read Scholz’s hands-on review at Time+Tide.

That red accent is the point: it makes the display more conspicuous without changing the watch’s underlying angular, all-black foundation. Scholz felt the rubber strap and primary-color detail suited casual wear such as denim. He also expressed a personal preference for a dressier black alligator strap with red stitching; that was his styling opinion, not a Bulgari specification or a confirmed strap option.

What the name and movement do—and do not—establish

The 2017 review names reference 102738 and identifies its movement as Bulgari’s BVL 193 automatic. Bulgari’s February 2017 US brochure provides useful context for the Ultranero family, but it lists different reference codes for its Solotempo and Velocissimo variants. The available documentation does not establish that reference 102738 is identical to either brochure reference, so their detailed specifications should not be assigned to it without qualification.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
MVMT Chrono II Men's Analog Chronograph Watch, 45mm - Water-Resistant 5 ATM/50M - Everyday Wear
  • Industry-leading ceramic watches by MVMT. Lighter and harder than steel, the Chrono II Ceramic men’s chronograph, inspired by brutalist coastal architecture, features luminous hands, angular lugs, faceted indices, and a chamfered black ceramic case.
  • Men’s Chronograph II, Stainless Steel & Ceramic Case, Black Dial, Black Bracelet.
  • Quartz Chronograph Movement: Battery-powered quartz movement with a chronograph function. Acts as a stopwatch with an independent sweep second hand that can be started, stopped, and reset by pressing the stem.
  • Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
  • Caring for your timepiece: Your MVMT watch has been crafted with exceptional attention to quality, function, and detail. We recommend a maintenance interval of 3 to 5 years to ensure optimal performance. Avoid opening the watch yourself for any adjustments.
Ultranero variant in Bulgari’s 2017 US brochure Documented reference Function and movement Other documented details
Solotempo BGO41BBSPGVD Time and date; automatic BVL 193 manufacture movement 50-hour power reserve; 41 mm black DLC-treated steel case; pink-gold bezel; 100 m water resistance
Velocissimo BGO41BBSVDCH Integrated chronograph with column wheel; automatic BVL 328 manufacture caliber with silicon escapement Date; 5 Hz frequency; 50-hour power reserve; 41 mm black DLC-treated steel case; 100 m water resistance; the cited brochure does not list a pink-gold bezel

The specifications in this table describe the brochure’s named references, not confirmed specifications for reference 102738. The brochure describes the Solotempo’s hand-applied indexes as pink gold and its dial as polished lacquer; for the Velocissimo it describes a polished lacquer dial and hand-applied indexes. Both listed variants have an integrated rubber strap, DLC-treated steel pin buckle, ceramic-set crown and transparent caseback. Bulgari’s February 2017 US Octo brochure is the source for these family specifications.

How it compares with the all-black Ultranero

The closest visual comparison is reference 102737, the all-black sibling covered by Cameron Wong in a June 2017 Time+Tide hands-on review. Wong describes black hands and indexes against a black lacquer dial and reports that they can be difficult to distinguish unless the light catches the dial at the right angle. His observation applies to that all-black version; it should not be transferred to the crimson-accented 102738. The contrast on 102738 gives its hands and indexes a different visual treatment, though the cited review does not provide a controlled legibility test.

Rank #2
OLEVS Watch for Men Ceramic Rose Gold Luxury Chronograph Quartz Wristwatches Waterproof Luminous Date Business Dress Moon Phase Watch for Men Black Ceramic Stainless Steel Band
  • 【Luxurious Gold Plated Ceramic Bracelet】 This elite variant showcases a brilliant gold stainless steel case accented by deep black high-gloss ceramic links. The combination of gold luxury and ceramic durability creates an unforgettable visual impact. Enhanced with a high-hardness coating mirror, this dress watch is as resilient against wear as it is visually commanding.
  • 【Advanced Lunar Phase & Stopwatch Functions】 A masterclass in analog detailing, this watch includes a 24-hour lunar phase rotation dial at the 3 o'clock position, an hourly timing tracker at 9 o'clock, and a precision stopwatch dial at 6 o'clock. Complete with a dedicated side-view display housing tactical pushers for immediate stopwatch start and timer reset.
  • 【Tailored Men's Professional Dimensions】 Expertly dimensioned for a powerful masculine profile. Case diameter is 44mm (excluding crown); dial thickness is 13.5mm; strap width is 16mm; wearable length is 20cm. Weighing in at 118g, it provides a solid, premium feel of luxury weight while remaining exceptionally comfortable due to the smooth, skin-friendly ceramic backing.
  • 【Enhanced Night Luminous & 3ATM Protection】 Featuring an advanced luminous function on the main hands, this watch absorbs light energy to provide clear timekeeping visibility in pitch-black settings. Complemented by a 30-meter waterproof rating, it easily handles everyday water exposure, ensuring operational longevity and reliable performance.
  • 【Ultimate Statement Gift for Gentlemen】 The gold-and-black aesthetic represents the pinnacle of premium fashion and prestige. It is the ultimate luxury statement gift for grandfathers, fathers, husbands, or graduates. Perfectly matched for upscale corporate events, formal weddings, luxury holiday celebrations, or high-profile social gatherings.

Wong’s comparison review also identifies the all-black watch as a 41 mm black DLC model with a BVL 193 double-barrel movement, 50-hour reserve and 100 m water resistance. These are descriptions in that separate review, not a basis for asserting every detail about reference 102738. See Wong’s review of the black-on-black sibling.

Case size, fit and the limits of the available review

The target review and Bulgari’s family brochure give a 41 mm case diameter. More detailed dimensions appear in Justin Mastine-Frost’s March 2016 review of an earlier Solotempo Ultranero: 47.4 mm lug-to-lug and 10.6 mm thick. Those measurements were reported for that earlier watch, not separately measured on reference 102738. Mastine-Frost described its rubber strap as supple and gave a positive impression of its fit on smaller wrists, but that remains one reviewer’s experience rather than a universal fit guarantee. Read the 2016 Solotempo hands-on review.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
OLEVS LEVS Mens Ceramic Watch Silver Luxury Chronograph Quartz Wristwatches Waterproof Luminous Date Casual Business Moon Phase Watch for Men Black Ceramic Stainless Steel Band
  • 【High-Hardness Coating & Premium Materials】 Featuring a sleek silver stainless steel case integrated with high-tech black ceramic links, this luxury male watch blends modern tech with timeless style. Protected by a premium high-hardness coating mirror surface, the dial is fortified against daily scratches and impacts, offering a reliable, crystal-clear view of the sophisticated watch face.
  • 【Precise Multifunctional Quartz Movement】 Powered by a highly stable original quartz caliber, this professional watch features full chronograph sub-dials (9 o'clock hourly timing, 6 o'clock stopwatch reset button control), an automatic calendar window at 4-5 o'clock, and an aesthetic 24-hour moon phase display that tracks the lunar rotation with precise luxury.
  • 【Ergonomic Specifications & Secure Clasp】 Built with careful attention to technical details. Features a 44mm case diameter, 13.5mm dial thickness, and a 16mm band width. The 20cm wearing length is managed by a premium double buckle clasp that ensures the 118g timepiece sits securely and comfortably on a gentleman's wrist without slipping.
  • 【Luminous Hands & 30M Daily Waterproof】 Stay punctual day and night with high-performance luminous hands that glow brightly in the dark. The robust 30 meters (3ATM) waterproof design ensures excellent protection against rain and daily splashes, making it a reliable companion for active lifestyles and modern business travel alike.
  • 【Versatile Styling & Gift-Ready Packaging】 The striking contrast of silver and black ceramic delivers a sharp, minimalist luxury look. It is an excellent executive gift choice for husbands, fathers, and brothers. Whether heading to a corporate boardroom, a casual weekend golf outing, or a formal dinner, this model effortlessly elevates any outfit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is the Octo Ultranero 102738 worth considering?

The 2017 review makes a case for the watch as a design choice: the Octo’s sharp, dark architecture gets a bright red focal point, and the rubber strap reinforces its sporty character. The documented material supports that visual assessment and the review’s BVL 193 identification, but it cannot establish present-day value, condition, availability or service costs.

Scholz listed the Australian price as A$9,950 in February 2017. That is historical pricing, not a current retail or resale quote. Current availability of reference 102738, compatible replacement straps or other parts is not established by the cited review or brochure; buyers should verify the exact reference, condition, included components and service history directly with a seller or qualified watch professional.

Best Value
Sale
Michael Kors Prescott Chronograph Black Ceramic and Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Men's Watch (Model: MK9279)
  • Prescott gets an elevated material refresh with the introduction of ceramic. A gold-tone octogonal case pairs with a matching bracelet featuring black ceramic center-links. This Michael Kors watch blends bold materials with a timeless look.
  • Case & Movement: 44mm case, 22mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, accurate quartz movement with chronograph analog display, imported
  • Dial: Octagon gold stainless steel case, with a brushed black dial.
  • Watch Band: Two-tone gold and black ceramic and durable stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit.
  • Water Resistant: Up to 50m (165ft): Wearable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling; 5 ATM.
Rank #4
Emporio Armani Men's Chronograph Stainless Steel Watch (Model: AR1509)
  • Emporio Armani is the pioneering line launched by Giorgio Armani in 1981. Emporio Armani expresses vitality and a carefree attitude, and possesses a particular allure and a special graciousness.
  • Movement: chronograph
  • Strap circumference: 200+/- 5mm
  • Quartz Movement
  • Case Diameter: 43mm

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More lots from the Journal

  1. Lot1Mechanical vs. Quartz Watches: How to Choose the Right MovementBlogEstimate 4–5 min
  2. Lot2How to Best Sell Your Watch: Choose the Right Channel for Your GoalBlogEstimate 7–9 min
  3. Lot3Spring-Bars and NATOs: A Practical Guide to Watch Straps, Buckles and BarsBlogEstimate 6–8 min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.