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entrepreneurSpotted May 2023

Entrepreneur Tor Olav Trøim spotted wearing a Bulgari

entrepreneur Tor Olav Trøim spotted wearing a Bulgari
Who & what: Bulgari Octo Finissimo Rose Gold Black Dial – Reference 102633 (BGO40BGLDSK)

At what appears to be a high-profile industry or cultural event — identified by the red lanyard and theatrical venue lighting — Norwegian billionaire Tor Olav Trøim is seen wearing a Bulgari Octo Finissimo in 18k rose gold with a matte black dial and black alligator strap. The sighting is a sharp illustration of how the Octo Finissimo has transcended its watchmaking accolades to become a discreet status signal among the global business elite.

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo, reference BGO40BGLDSK, launched in 2015 and immediately redefined what a dress watch could be. Powered by the in-house BVL 128 Finissimo manual-wind calibre — just 2.23mm thick — it set the world record for the thinnest mechanical watch at the time. The 40mm octagonal rose gold case is a geometrically sophisticated descendant of the original Octo design conceived by Gerald Genta, here pushed to architectural extremes: total case height is 5mm flat. The black sunbrushed sandwich dial bears a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, rose gold applied indices, and the BVLGARI signature in clean capitals.

From a collector perspective, the Octo Finissimo occupies a rare position: it is both a genuine horological achievement and an aesthetically cohesive luxury object. Bulgari has used this platform to break world records multiple times across tourbillon, minute repeater, and skeleton variants. The rose gold / black dial combination is among the most sought-after in the lineup — subdued enough for business settings yet unambiguous in its luxury provenance.

Tor Olav Trøim is one of Norway's most prominent entrepreneurs, long regarded as the strategic architect behind much of shipping magnate John Fredriksen's empire. He later founded Borr Drilling and has led multiple energy sector ventures. His choice of an Octo Finissimo — a watch celebrated for engineering precision rather than ornamental excess — aligns naturally with his professional identity.

At retail, the 18k rose gold Octo Finissimo BGO40BGLDSK lists at approximately $26,400 USD. On the secondary market, demand for rose gold references has remained firm, with lightly used examples trading in the $22,000–$25,000 range depending on condition and box-and-papers status — a modest premium discount reflecting the Octo Finissimo's strong brand equity.

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