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Bulgari’s 2023 Octo Roma Automatic is a refinement of the existing 41 mm watch, not a larger redesign. It keeps the same 41 mm by 9.15 mm stainless-steel case while updating the dial, lume, crown protection, water-resistance rating and strap-change system. The launch models came in white, blue and anthracite; the movement is an automatic BVL 191 with a date and a reported 42-hour power reserve.
What changed in the 2023 refresh?
The Octo Roma debuted in 2017. For the 2023 automatic refresh, Bulgari retained its rounded-octagonal, 41 mm stainless-steel case, 9.15 mm thick, with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The main visual change is a Clous de Paris dial pattern in place of the earlier sun-brushed finish. Rebecca Doulton’s March 26, 2023 launch report describes the update in detail: Monochrome Watches’ report on the refreshed Octo Roma Automatic.
- Dial: Clous de Paris texture in white, blue or anthracite.
- Markers: Applied metallic indices, with Arabic numerals at 6 and 12.
- Lume: Stronger Super-LumiNova treatment on the markers and hour and minute hands, as reported at launch.
- Crown: A revised crown protector.
- Water resistance: Raised to a 100 m manufacturer rating.
- Strap changes: A quick-change arrangement lets the wearer release the bracelet or strap using a pusher on the caseback side, without a special tool, according to launch coverage.
The reported changes improve legibility and day-to-day versatility without altering the case’s basic dimensions. The 100 m figure is Bulgari’s stated rating; the sources do not establish independent dive or water-resistance testing.
Launch colors and references
| Dial color | Reference |
|---|---|
| White | 103738 |
| Blue | 103739 |
| Anthracite | 103740 |
These are the three automatic dial-and-reference combinations identified in launch coverage. Current regional availability and the contents of a particular listing can vary, so check the reference’s official product page rather than assuming every color is offered with the same configuration.
#1 Best Overall
- Case Thickness: 13 mm; Case Diameter: 43 x 51 mm; Band Width: 22 mm
- Strap Material: Leather; Movement: Automatic; Water Resistance: 3 ATM
- Japanese-automatic Movement
- Case Diameter: 43mm
- Water resistant to 30m (100ft): in general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water, but not suitable for swimming or bathing
Movement, functions and caseback
The automatic BVL 191 Solotempo provides hours, minutes, central seconds and a date at 3 o’clock. Bulgari’s official listing for white reference 103738 specifies a 42-hour power reserve and a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz: Bulgari’s international listing for reference 103738.
Launch reporting also describes a bidirectional central rotor and 26 jewels. It says the movement can be seen through a sapphire caseback, with Geneva stripes and chamfered angles. Bulgari’s opened listing confirms the calibre, functions, reserve and frequency, but does not state every one of those additional details.
Rank #2
- AUTOMATIC WATCH FOR MEN: Armani Exchange's 46mm watch features a blue cd finish dial, automatic movement and blue stainless steel bracelet
- CASE & MOVEMENT: A men's watch with a 46mm case, 22mm band width, scratch resistant mineral crystal, automatic movement with 3-hand analog display and skeleton dial, imported
- DIAL: This men's automatic watch features a round stainless steel case with a blue dial
- WATCH BAND: Armani Exchange men's wrist watches with a blue, stainless steel bracelet; links can be removed for a customized fit
- WATER RESISTANT WRIST WATCH FOR MEN: Up to 50m (165ft); Wearable while swimming in shallow water; 5 ATM
Bracelet, quick-change system and strap contents
Launch reports described the watch as supplied with a steel bracelet and an additional rubber strap. Time and Watches also reported that extra rubber and alligator straps were available separately at the time: Time and Watches’ March 2023 launch coverage. That is historical information, not confirmation of current stock or a current package.
Before choosing a present-day reference, check Bulgari’s listing or ask the retailer to confirm which bracelet or strap is included, whether the alternative is still available and whether it is compatible with that exact reference. The quick-change feature is useful if you plan to alternate configurations, but it does not establish that any Octo Roma strap will fit.
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- Bulova's Men's Modern Collection features the best in geometric silhouettes and cutting-edge design.
- Automatic, 2 Hand with Sub sweep Second hand, Full Skeleton
- Black Ceramic Case and Bracelet
- Domed Mineral Crystal
- 30M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
Prices: distinguish launch pricing from current listings
| Price | Market and reference | When and where reported |
|---|---|---|
| €7,900 | European launch-era price for the refreshed Octo Roma Automatic | Reported by Monochrome Watches on March 26, 2023. |
| €7,900 | White reference 103738, international Bulgari store | Displayed on the official listing accessed in 2026. |
| $7,550 excluding taxes | Anthracite reference 103740, US Bulgari store | Displayed on the official listing accessed in 2026. |
These are prices for different references, markets and points in time—not a single worldwide price list or a like-for-like comparison of all three colors. The official regional pages are Bulgari’s international page for white 103738 and Bulgari’s US page for anthracite 103740. Check the relevant local listing for the current price and availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the specifications do—and do not—tell you
The documented update is specific: Bulgari kept the established case size and revised details that affect the dial’s appearance, low-light legibility, crown protection, water-resistance rating and strap changes. The published specifications do not establish real-world accuracy, comfort, water resistance or long-term reliability through independent testing. Bulgari’s own description calls the watch an emblem of contemporary style, but that is brand copy rather than an independent assessment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at 3 o'clock
- 40 mm, Length: 210mm, 23k gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window. Movement Caliber: NH35A
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Gold & Stainless steel tone bracelet with foldover clasp with safety closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving.
Rank #4
- A design tribute to Bulova's acclaimed 1970s Oceanographer dive watch, powered by a self-winding mechanical movement.
- 3 Hand, Automatic, Calendar
- Silver-Tone Stainless Steel
- Double Curved Sapphire Box Crystal
- 200M Water Resistant and 3 Year Limited Warranty
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.
