Bulgari in the spotlight

THREE of Bulgari's most iconic models - Serpenti, Bulgari Aluminium and Bvlgari Bvlgari - were summoned to present this year's watch novelties so as to ensure that its timepieces are not forgotten in this uncertain time of Covid-19.

The result is the launch of 3 new Serpenti Seduttori watches to complete the new Serpenti spinoff series by going back - though not all the way - to the roots of the reptile line.

The Bulgari Aluminium made its comeback with a GMT function, a timely offering as more countries reopen their doors to travellers.

Bulgari seized the opportunity to collaborate with Hiroshi Fujiwara to present a limited edition watch that combines the brand's Bvlgari Bvlgari model's cool look and the multi-talented Japanese's "fragment" style.

Serpenti Seduttori

MENTION Bulgari and you're likely to instantly think of the Italian watch and jewellery brand's Serpenti timepieces, which come in a case shaped like a snake head and a long bracelet that resembles the snake body. These lady watches are worn with the bracelet twisted round the arm.

While there are many variations, the Serpenti watches fall essentially into 3 series: the Serpenti Tubogas; the Serpenti Spiga; and the Serpenti Seduottori.

The Tubogas, which is Italian for "gas pipe", descends directly from the original Serpenti watch of the 1940s. It is distinguished by a drop-shaped case and a coiled bracelet with anywhere from 1 to 7 spirals.

While the Tubogas' bracelet is modelled after the pipe, the bracelet of the Serpenti Spiga is based on the ears of corn, and the case is made of white, black or brown ceramic.

The Tubogas case and bracelet is crafted out of polished stainless steel, or rose gold. There are also two-tone editions that mix these 2 materials, as well as a "three gold" model in rose, white and yellow gold.

Unlike the above 2 models, the Serpenti Seduttori watch launched in 2019 lacks a spiral bracelet.

Instead, it has a more conventional integrated bracelet with hexagonal links which mimic a snake's smooth scales.

The first Seduttori timepieces came in all 3 shades of gold - rose, white and yellow - which are the heart of the collection. Besides the yellow gold and diamonds editions, there were also ultra-precious diamond and diamond-paved models in white and rose gold.

This year's additions wrapped up the Serpenti Seduttori series. At the same time, according to Bulgari, they opened a new chapter for Bulgari's iconic snake-like timepieces.

The latest Seduttori watches offer 3 new styles that feature a steel case and bracelet, or steel case and bracelet with a rose gold bezel decked with or without diamonds.

All of them sport a drop-shaped watch head inspired by the Tubogas collection.

The new Seduttori case is thinner than ever and is crowned in cabochon-cut gemstones. The watches also introduced a totally new flexible bracelet of stylised hexagonal links that allude to the Serpenti scale motif.

Price: S$6,760 to S$165,000

Bulgari Aluminium GMT

JUST the cool timepiece you need as lockdown gives way to a return to travel.

Before the Bulgari Aluminium GMT, there's the Bulgari Aluminium. The latter needs no introduction.

It's the first luxury watch made of aluminium topped by a rubber bezel and was the timepiece to own in the late 1990s.

The legend lives on today. The watch has maintained its original spirit: urban, disruptive and with the "cool attitude" that makes it just right for special and distinctive moments.

The Bulgari Aluminium GMT, a two-time zone travel watch, is a worthy successor to the original model. It not only retains the essential features - aluminium case, blue bezel and rubber strap - but is also fitted with a new function to satisfy the current hunger for travel.

The home and local time are clearly indicated in the easy-to-operate Bulgari Aluminium GMT. There are also coloured zones on the dial that distinguish the day and night.

"Bulgari Aluminium GMT is obviously intended to be functional, yet its nature goes beyond that: it speaks a universal language, regardless of the time zone," the brand says.

"The stars are aligned and Bulgari Aluminium GMT will be a perfect companion for the new sesame, the Covid passport."

Price: S$4,890

Bvlgari Bvlgari Fragment Fujiwara #2

SOME people will kill for this watch because of its association with Hiroshi Fujiwara, the godfather of street-wear. And only 600 pieces of this limited edition are produced.

Touted as "an eminently cool, urban and contemporary watch", this timepiece combines the still fashionable aesthetics of Bulgari's Bvlgari Bvlgari - launched 40 years ago - and the current hot "fragment" style of the multi-talented Japanese designer and musician. Fujiwara's name has been linked with the likes of Nike, Moncler, Supreme, Starbucks, Apple and even Eric Clapton.

The double engraving on the bezel of the Bvlgari Bvlgari Fragment Fujiwara #2, a second edition with the first introduced last year, has always been a trademark of the Bvlgari Bvlgari collection.

Bulgari says the new watch has been revamped and revitalised to display the Bvlgari logo, as well as that of Hiroshi Fujiwara. The latter, FRGMT (for "fragment"), is graphically symbolised by a double lightning bolt and appears on the dial, crown and transparent case-back.

The timepiece reflects "an understated overall approach that maximises its aesthetic power, based on an engraved polished steel case".

The case frames a black-lacquered dial with a grained surface free of hour markers.

Price: S$6,840