By Kien Lee
The snake with its mystical qualities and mythological roots have always fascinated Bulgari. Bulgari's first snake-inspired creations featured a stylised geometry in the form of a watch as early as 1948, with Tubogas embracing the wrist with its undulations.
This wrapping bracelet is the result of a complex technique that involves coiling several metres of gold or steel wire. In the late 50's, Serpenti changed again: its face became more realistic and took the shape of a cover concealing the case of ‘secret’ watches, while its scales adopted colored enamel and precious stones.
In 2010, Bulgari united two icons in a contemporary version, with the sinuous case of the “Serpenti” watch set atop of the Tubogas bracelet. Two years later, it would debut the smallest round mechanical movement, the Piccolissimo caliber BVL 100, fitting it into the Serpenti High Jewellery timepieces.
In 2023, the Serpenti watch would undergo a metamorphosis, underscoring Bulgari’s intensely Italian style and expertise. The Italian jeweller unveils its snake with a new creative skin - the Serpenti Tubogas Infinity.
For the first time, the serpentine silhouette continues from the watch case all the way to the bracelet, thanks to refined gemsetting adorning a modular construction.
The rings are moulded in unique dimensions, then polished, gem-set and assembled on a titanium blade. The brilliance of the diamonds extends the head of the snake, lit up by snow setting on the dial, a gem-set bezel and eight diamonds on the curve of the case.
The Rome-based Maison is presenting this new expression of Serpenti watches in two initial versions – respectively fitted with single tour and double tour bracelets. But expect this new creative freedom to unveil more iterations in future.
Both new Serpenti Tubogas Infinity models, conceived like a second skin, continue to celebrate the deep intimate bond between Serpenti and the one who wears it.