In 2001, the world-renowned, Italian luxury brand Bulgari launched its Hotel & Resorts division. The portfolio started with hotels in Milan, Bali, and London. The most recent openings include Beijing, Dubai and, as of a few months ago, Shanghai. The former “Pearl of the Orient” is considered the largest city in China by population (and the second most populous city in the world, with a population of more than 24 million).

As part of the massive Suhe Creek urban redevelopment project, the 48-story hotel features sweeping views of the Bund waterfront area and of the city’s unique skyline. The 5-star hotel includes 82 rooms, a 2,000-square-meter spa, a 500-square-meter ballroom, and was awarded its first Michelin star in August. As with the previous locations, the well-regarded Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel was tasked with the hotel’s interior design. It is also the location where Bulgari chose to reveal a selection of brand-new watch creations, including its most complicated timepiece ever (full details here). While all that was happening, we took the opportunity to borrow and take a few images of the recently launched Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph in titanium (Ref. 102859) and featuring the collection’s typical matte finish.

The 41-mm Bulgari Octo l’Originale Velocissimo Chronograph is a three-counter chronograph powered by the self-winding BVL 328 Velocissimo caliber (us...