BVLGARI’s celebrated Serpenti meets MB&F’s avant-garde horology in a one-of-a-kind collaboration.
Both BVLGARI and MB&F (Maximilian Büsser & Friends) are unique in their own ways but they have come together to create something truly different. BVLGARI brings its rich jewellery-making heritage, while MB&F takes a bold, futuristic approach, creating timepieces that resemble kinetic sculptures rather than traditional watches. This partnership has led to the concept of a timepiece that is as much an artistic statement as a feat of engineering.
This isn’t the first time the two brands have worked together. MB&F thrives on collaboration, bringing in independent watchmakers, artisans and designers to help realise its boundary-pushing concepts. The brand’s Horological Machines draw inspiration from themes as varied as science fiction, supercars and nature, making each creation distinct and imaginative. BVLGARI, with its rich history in jewellery and watchmaking, has a legacy of daring designs. The 2021 collaboration between the two resulted in the MB&F x BVLGARI LM FlyingT Allegra, a watch that combined mechanical ingenuity with BVLGARI’s signature gemstone aesthetic. After its success, they set out to develop something even more ambitious.
Enter the BVLGARI x MB&F Serpenti, a reimagining of one of BVLGARI’s most iconic designs. Since its debut in 1948, the Serpenti has symbolised transformation and elegance, but this version takes it to an entirely new level. Bringing the Serpenti into MB&F’s horological universe required not only a fresh approach to its aesthetics but also a complete rethinking of its mechanical structure.
The case, shaped like a snake’s head, is a sculptural masterpiece that took hundreds of sketches and numerous 3D-printed prototypes to perfect. Five sapphire crystals, including those forming the snake’s eyes, allow a glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement. Water-resistant up to 30 metres, the watch’s artistry does not compromise its technical robustness.
The movement itself is a marvel of precision and creativity. Instead of traditional hands, the watch displays time using two rotating domes – one for hours and one for minutes. The left dome completes a full rotation every 12 hours, while the right turns every 60 minutes.
Crafted from ultra-light aluminium and treated with Super-Luminova, these domes glow in low light, evoking the hypnotic gaze of a snake. A 14mm flying balance wheel, prominently positioned at the top, beats at 18,000 vibrations per hour. The watch also boasts a 45-hour power reserve, with a discreet indicator on the case back, visible through the sapphire crystal.
Only 99 pieces will be produced, spread across three versions. The titanium edition features blue domes and a hand-stitched blue rubber strap. The 18-carat rose gold model has striking green domes with a matching rubber strap, while the black PVD-coated stainless steel version stands out with vivid red domes and a black rubber strap. Each case measures 39mm and is secured with a Velcro strap system for a comfortable fit.