Bulgari Serpenti

The Serpenti is one of the oldest collections from luxury watch and jewelry manufacturer Bvlgari. Originally released in the 1940s, the Serpenti helped propel the brand into the spotlight in the 1960s after appearing on numerous celebrities' wrists. Elizabeth Taylor was a fan of the design and wore a Serpenti while filming Cleopatra.

From its drop-shaped case to its spiral bracelet that gently wraps around the arm, the Serpenti clearly takes its name to heart. However, when crafting the bracelet for the first model, Bvlgari got inspiration from an unlikely source: the flexible gas pipes commonly used in Europe in the 1920s. Current pieces with this bracelet design have the term "Tubogas" in their name. To this day, Bvlgari continues to embrace the mythological symbol of the serpent, offering a wide range of watches and jewelry featuring stylized snakes.

Bvlgari offers Serpenti watches in stainless steel, different shades of gold, or state-of-the-art ceramic. High Jewelry editions are encrusted with innumerable gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds, amethysts, malachite, or lapis lazuli. Precise Swiss quartz timepieces power these timepieces.

The Serpenti Tubogas series is the direct descendant of the original watch from the 1940s. Its drop-shaped case is 35 mm across at its widest point and looks particularly lifelike thanks to its curves. A quartz caliber powers the central hour and minute hands. Roman numerals mark 6 and 12 o'clock, while applied line indices are used for the other hours. The dial is available in silvery-white, black, gray, red, brown, or purple. Certain models even feature a guilloché sunburst pattern.

Bvlgari crafts the case and integrated bracelet out of polished stainless steel or rose gold. There are also two-tone editions that mix these two materials, as well as a " Three Gold" model in rose, white, and yellow gold. Many timepieces also feature diamond-studded bezels.

Each watch comes on a coiled bracelet with anywhere from one to seven spirals. The more spirals, the higher the snake winds up your arm and the bolder the fashion statement.

Stainless steel models with a single spiral mark the entry point into the Serpenti collection. These versions cost around 3,900 USD. For a piece with a double spiral, be prepared to spend some 5,900 USD. The top stainless steel Serpenti has five spirals and a diamond-studded bezel. This timepiece demands roughly 9,800 USD. Two-tone and gold editions require a larger investment of between 6,600 and 14,000 USD. At about 32,500 USD, the "Three Gold" model in rose, white, and yellow gold sits at the top of the Serpenti Tubogas price range.

There are only two differences between the Serpenti Spiga and the Serpenti Tubogas. First, the Spiga's bracelet is modeled after ears of corn instead of pipes. Second, its case and bracelet are made of white, black, or brown ceramic. The 18-karat rose gold bezel, crown, indices, hands, and individual links offer a stunning contrast. Certain models also feature diamonds on their bezels.

The top Spiga model comes in brown ceramic and has a diamond-studded bezel. You can call this timepiece your own for about 10,000 USD. Black or white versions with a double spiral bracelet cost some 8,800 USD. You can save even more by purchasing a watch with a single spiral. Prices for these models begin around 7,500 USD. The most affordable Spiga watch is made of black ceramic and has a single twist and black ceramic bezel. This variant sells for approximately 5,200 USD.

The Serpenti is also available on a leather strap. These bands coil around the arm just like their metal and ceramic counterparts. However, they come with one distinct advantage: They are interchangeable. Color options range from the reserved to the downright bold, so you can match your watch to your mood or outfit.

Despite having a smaller, 27-mm case, the design is identical to that of larger Serpenti models. You can choose between a stainless steel or rose gold case, with or without diamonds.

You can call a stainless steel watch with a simple strap your own for as little as 3,000 USD. The addition of diamonds raises the price to about 5,100 USD. Rose gold editions cost anywhere from 5,700 to 8,400 USD, depending on whether there are diamonds on the bezel.

Bvlgari introduced the Serpenti Seduttori at Baselworld 2019. Unlike the other Serpenti models, these watches lack a spiral bracelet. Instead, the more conventional integrated bracelet has hexagonal links that mimic a snake's smooth scales.

The Seduttori has a 33-mm case and follows the same design principles as the rest of the collection. It's available in stainless steel, gold, or as a two-tone watch. There are also models with diamond-set bezels. The silvery-white opaline dial pairs beautifully with the case and features stainless steel or gold hour markers.

As always, the stainless steel versions are the most affordable. These watches change hands for around 4,200 USD. The two-tone edition sells for roughly 6,200 USD without diamonds and 10,000 USD with diamonds. Solid gold watches cost significantly more. Prices depend on whether or not the bezel is diamond-studded. These watches generally sell for between 20,500 and 25,500 USD.

Bvlgari shows off their jewelry making prowess in the Serpenti High Jewelry series. Perfectly cut and set gemstones and refined gold work transform these watches into true masterpieces.

The so-called " Secret Watches" are especially popular. These timepieces have their quartz movements hidden in the snake's lower jaw. Simply open the serpent's hinged mouth to reveal the dial within. Other popular models include the Serpenti Scaglie with its crocodile-like scales and the Serpenti Incantati with a snake coiled around its round case.

All this luxury comes at a price. Depending on the design and number of gemstones on the base and bracelet, Serpenti High Jewelry watches demand anywhere from 20,500 USD to well over 110,000 USD.