The Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti brings the snake motif to life
After their vibrant 2021 collaboration with the LM FlyingT Allegra, high jewellery Maison Bulgari and Swiss watchmaker MB&F partner once more to reimagine the iconic Bulgari Serpenti – blending heritage with bold innovation.
The Bulgari Serpenti, which first slithered into life in 1948, has long been an icon of femininity. Now, its serpentine elegance is reimagined with a bold, automotive edge. The design captures the snake’s head with dynamic, mechanical influences, refined through hundreds of sketches and 3D-printed models to achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality.
The case features flowing curves that extends from the metal body to five sapphire crystals, including the snake’s eyes and a multi-faceted rear section, all treated with an anti-reflective coating.
The magic lies in the serpent motif, brought to life through its hypnotic gaze. Its eyes double as revolving hour and minute domes, completing a full rotation every 12 hours and 60 minutes. Crafted from paper-thin solid aluminium and coated with Super-LumiNova, these luminous domes ensure the serpent’s stare glows even in the dark.
Automotive-inspired crowns, designed to resemble car wheels, control winding and time-setting – adding both functionality and flair.
At its core, the Serpenti houses a hand-wound movement by MB&F that provides a 45-hour power reserve. Above the domed dials, a bespoke 14mm flying balance wheel with four regulating screws floats, beating at 2.5Hz (18,000 beats per hour). With the transparent case back, the power reserve indicator and some of the movement’s 310 hand-finished components come into view.
The Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti comes in three versions, each limited to just 33 pieces. The first features a grade 5 titanium case with blue hour and minute domes. The second, in an 18K rose gold case, showcases striking green eyes. The third uses black PVD-coated stainless steel with vivid red eyes.
With its intricate design and complex manufacturing, only six to eight watches are made each month. The entire series takes over a year to complete. This collaboration perfectly combines Bulgari’s rich design heritage with MB&F’s innovative engineering, creating a timepiece that’s both a work of art and a feat of horological craftsmanship.
Go further with Bulgari x MB&F Serpenti.
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