Year Of The Snake

How Bulgari’s iconic serpent slinked its way into our world

- Charmian Leong

You only have to look at Bulgari’s flagship stores in New York, Tokyo, Milan and Taipei to know that the Italian jeweller and watchmaker really likes its emblematic snake motif. Enormous ones clad in lights coil around the facade, beckoning shoppers with its majestic form. The Serpenti, which they push as embodying seduction and mystery, has for decades been moulded and transformed into alluring timepieces and jewellery for women.

This year’s editions prove it’s still a winning formula. The new Serpenti collection bears the familiar 27mm curved case, except it now features a wraparound leather strap. Compared to the more extravagant renditions in the past, the current Serpenti line emphasises daily wearability and, more importantly, customisation.

Beyond choosing a pink gold or stainless steel case, customers are able to choose a black, red, green or white dial rendered in mother-of-pearl, sunburst guilloche pattern or lacquer. Each watch comes with two straps of the client’s choosing, with more options available at the boutique. These straps are available in calfskin or Karung, which comes from a non-venomous water snake and appreciated for its small scales and suppleness. The tanning process adds vibrant colour while making it soft and smooth to the touch. Easily interchangeable fastenings also make them a breeze to switch around.

On top of that, one can opt for a gem-set option as well as a personalised engraving on the caseback. There are over 300 possible variations to make it truly your own, aided by a downloadable app to make the customisation process easier. It will take approximately two months to produce after placing an order, after which you will be able to pick it up at your local Bulgari boutique.