Mention Bulgari and its Serpenti icon inevitably comes to mind. The serpent is firmly woven in with the brand’s history and has become synonymous with the Roman jeweller today, 75 years since it was first introduced on a jewellery watch designed to be wrapped around the wrist. At that time in 1948, the image of the Serpenti was rather stylised; its linked body was crafted using the revolutionary Tubogas technique of metalworking, which gave the bracelet flexibility and suppleness by wrapping strips of gold around a coiled spring without soldering. It was not only an indication of Bulgari’s innovative spirit, but also foreshadowed the transformative, future‑oriented nature of the Serpenti that was to come.
In religion and mythology, snakes and serpents have long been symbols of rebirth and renewal, as they are believed to have transformative and regenerative powers due to their ability to shed skin. Bulgari’s Serpenti has adopted this ever‑changing nature, taking shape in various forms throughout the course of its existence.
In the 1950s, Bulgari started to give the serpent a more lifelike, figurative style, with its precious head embellished with ruby, emerald or diamond eyes. This made way for the true expression of the motif in the 1960s, when the serpent took on various personalities through the use of colourful gemstones and enamels on its scales. It was during this era of innovation that the maison created the first Serpenti secret jewellery watches, where the dial is hidden within the head of the snake.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Tatler Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Family Jewel
Fanty Soenardy unveils the crowning jewel of her vault-a Chaumet tiara that she dreams of passing down to her daughter on her wedding day
GROWTH MINDSET
Three women entrepreneurs share their smart habits to managing money and growing wealth—and doing so meaningfully with purpose
A Classic Redefined
Through the organic beauty of wood veneers, Steinway & Sons' limited edition Masterpiece 8X8 explores an alternative to the established aesthetic of pianos
Oak Artistry
Born of a collaboration with contemporary circus producer Cirque du Soleil, Vibrant Oak, the fourth release in The Macallan's Harmony Collection, pays homage to the Scottish whisky house's rich history with oak and the sherry-seasoned oak casks central to its heritage
Full Potential
Philippine tourism is buzzing with activity, and Christina Garcia Frasco is at the forefront of it all
Live & Learn
When Anthonia Hui and Leonardo Drago still lived in Hong Kong nearly three decades ago, they came across a beggar on the streets. “Just as I was about to pull out my wallet, Leo held my hand and said, ‘How do you know he’s not scamming you?’”
Hip to Be Square
Patek Philippe launches Cubitus, its first new collection in 25 years, in Munich, Germany, debuting three sporty and elegant watches By Annabel Tan
Marine Wonders
Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative and Mission Blue join forces to support the conservation of Indonesia's island paradise of Nusa Penida and its magnificent biodiversity
Deep Purpose
Rolex champions environmental conservation through its Perpetual Planet Initiative, which supports ocean-focused organisations such as Sylvia Earle's Mission Blue and Titouan Bernicot's Coral Gardeners
Grand Designs
When it comes to grand touring, few carmakers can boast the storied history of Maserati, which has been producing vehicles that embody grand touring's golden era, which originated in the mid-20th-century, for more than 75 years.
