When two worlds collide, magic happens. Bvlgari (Instagram), the master of high jewelry, and MB&F (Instagram), the avant-garde watchmaker, have once again defied convention with the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti. This mesmerizing timepiece takes Bvlgari’s legendary icon—the Serpenti—and transforms it into a kinetic horological masterpiece. With only 99 pieces available, this ultra-limited edition watch embodies the daring spirit of both maisons.
Bvlgari’s Serpenti, first introduced in 1948, has symbolized power, transformation, and eternal rebirth for decades. MB&F, known for its unconventional approach to watchmaking, brings this legend to life in a way never seen before. With a case engineered to resemble a sleek serpent’s head, this timepiece is an extraordinary blend of Italian artistry and Swiss mechanical mastery.
Crafting the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti was no simple feat. The watch’s biomorphic design, featuring flowing curves and sapphire-crystal details—including the snake’s incredible eyes—, took hundreds of sketches and dozens of 3D-printed prototypes to perfect. Unlike traditional round watch cases, this piece had to be visually striking from every angle—front, side, back, and top. The result? A sculptural masterpiece that challenges the boundaries of traditional watchmaking.
At its heart lies a highly complex movement developed by MB&F. This mechanical wonder is cradled within the stunning case, while the snake’s hypnotic gaze is animated by revolving hour and minute domes, both crafted from ultra-thin aluminum and coated with hand-applied Super-LumiNova for an ethereal glow when the sun goes down.
Appearing to float, the oversized 14mm flying balance wheel is a striking centerpiece, its four regulating screws maintaining a steady rhythm at 2.5Hz (18,000bph). Secured by a three-dimensional balance bridge engraved with both partners’ names, it reflects the fusion of Bvlgari’s artistry and MB&F’s mechanical ingenuity.
Separate crowns, subtly incorporated into the rear lugs, allow for effortless winding and time-setting, blending functionality with seamless design. Turning the piece over reveals the power reserve indicator, alongside an intricate assembly of 310 meticulously hand-finished components.
At a time when watchmaking is increasingly automated, MB&F remains committed to artisanal craftsmanship, producing just under 400 watches in 2024. Each Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti is built with patience and precision. Only six to eight movements can be crafted per month, meaning the 99-piece collection will take over a year to complete—ensuring its exclusivity and attention to detail at every stage.
The Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti is also influenced by contemporary supercars. Both designers, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani of Bvlgari and Maximilian Büsser of MB&F, are automotive enthusiasts, and it shows in the watch’s sleek bodywork and intricate detailing. The sapphire crystal resembles the aerodynamic flaps of a high-performance vehicle, while the crowns echo the design of luxury car wheels.
The timepiece is available in three limited editions of 33 pieces each, titanium with blue domes for a cool, futuristic aesthetic; 18K rose gold with green domes, adding a touch of opulence and a Black PVD-coated stainless steel version with red domes, embodying bold sophistication.
“This piece was a pleasure to design, but technically very challenging to produce,” says Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani. “The aim was to have a totally different vision. The snake is a magnificent object that appeals to many collectors. I think we succeeded in giving the Bvlgari serpent a new horizon. It is not just a feminine object linked to the brand’s DNA but, for the first time, a technical object that speaks to the Bvlgari aesthetic and showcases MB&F’s expertise. Like all good collaborations, it is a win-win project.”
The Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti is a collector’s piece, a work of art, and a testament to the power of collaboration. Each edition is meticulously handcrafted, with production limited to just a few pieces per month, ensuring its exclusivity. For those who dare to embrace the extraordinary, this timepiece is the ultimate fusion of craftsmanship, innovation, and legacy—proof that true luxury lies in the unexpected.
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