At the prestigious Geneva Watch Days, a renowned gathering of horological excellence, Bvlgari unveiled a collection of timepieces that harmoniously blend mechanical ingenuity with the enchanting world of music. The theme, aptly named “The Sound of Bvlgari,” celebrates the brand’s deep connection to sound and its ability to translate musical notes into tangible, wearable art.
One of the most striking introductions was a revitalized version of the Serpenti Pallini watch. This reinterpretation, crafted in yellow gold, features a patented technology that allows a cascade of gold beads and precious stones to create a captivating rattle reminiscent of a snake’s hiss when the watch is moved. This hidden serpent-shaped timepiece, first introduced in 1955, seven years after the creation of the iconic Serpenti line, now returns in three exquisite variations: a white and yellow gold version adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds (7 carats) and pear-shaped emerald eyes, a white and pink gold iteration also featuring emeralds, and a third crafted in white gold with 66 carats of diamonds and a diamond-paved dial.
“This new version of the Serpenti Pallini, a name that literally means ‘small round beads’ in Italian, pays homage to Bvlgari’s heritage. I was inspired by the first Pallini watch created in 1955, which had a five-turn bracelet in yellow gold and diamonds,” explains Fabrizio Buonamassa, Product Director of the Roman jeweler.
Beyond the Serpenti Pallini, the collection boasts three versions of the Octo Roma, Octo Finissimo, and Bvlgari Aluminum. The Octo Roma Grand Sonniere, the most intricate creation from the Roman jeweler, showcases four hammers that mark time with a melody composed by Maestro Lorenzo Viotti, reinventing the gong melody by adding the “tritone,” a characteristic interval in classical music.
“The partnership with Lorenzo began when he became our watch ambassador. Just like an instrument, a watch also has gongs and strings to reproduce sound,” says Fabrizio. “We are Italians. We like to break the rules, so we developed new melodies and sounds with Lorenzo.”
The Carillon Turbillon, on the other hand, presents a tourbillon and minute repeater with three hammers, reciting the sound of the hours. Finally, the Octo Finissimo Minute, a remarkably complex minute repeater caliber that sounds the hours, quarter hours, and minutes on demand.
As part of a collaboration between Bvlgari and Fender, the iconic guitar and musical instrument brand, the brand also launches the O Bvlgari Aluminum GMT x Fender in a limited edition.
“The truth is that we don’t need watches [today]. You have your cell phone, your smartwatch… But these things are tools and change every year. A mechanical watch has a different relationship with legacy. You remember your father’s watches, your grandfather’s watches. It’s more of an emotion than a necessity,” concludes Fabrizio.
