Revolutionary Timepiece: Iconic Women’s Watch Gets a Bold Masculine Makeover
The Serpenti: Where Wristwatch Meets Automotive Design
In the world of independent watchmaking, few brands have pushed the boundaries of innovation and creativity as far as MB&F has. With their latest collaboration with Bulgari, they’ve created a timepiece that’s as mesmerizing as it is complex. The Serpenti is more than just a watch – it’s an art piece, a testament to the shared passions of its creators, Maximilian Büsser and Mauro Piccirilli-Früh, who both share a love for classic sports cars and exotic reptiles.
A Crystal Clear View
At the heart of the Serpenti lies a hand-wound MB&F caliber, its intricate mechanics visible through the abundance of transparent sapphire in the case. The flying balance wheel at the center, often referred to as the "brain" of the snake, is a signature MB&F feature, oscillating proudly above a pair of aluminum domes behind the "eyes" of the watch. These domes, complete with Super-LumiNova numerals, track hours and minutes in the dark, while the entire movement is visible through the transparent crystal, offering an unobstructed view of the watch’s "heartbeat."
A Fleeting Glimpse of the Escapement
Image: A close-up of the escapement in a Bulgari x MB&F watch movement.
As you gaze at the movement through the crystal, you can’t help but be drawn to the complexity of the escapement, where the "brain" of the snake takes center stage. This is an area that’s typically hidden from view, but in the Serpenti, the clear sapphire offers a rare, unobstructed look at the watch’s inner workings.
A Double Crown and a Display Caseback
Image: A Bulgari x MB&F watch with a display caseback and power reserve indicator.
When you flip the watch over, you’re rewarded with a full display caseback, showcasing the 45-hour power reserve indicator of the MB&F calibre. Two crowns – one for winding and one for setting the time – are cleverly integrated into the rear lugs, adding to the overall sense of symmetry and design.
A Racing- Inspired Design
The Serpenti’s design also owes a debt to the world of classic sports cars, with its sloping profile, twin crowns, and stepped crystal evoking the louver-adorned rear windshield of a fastback. It’s a testament to the shared passions of its creators, who have brought their love for speed and style to life in this unique and captivating timepiece.
A Visual Masterpiece
Image: A Bulgari x MB&F watch seen from the side, resembling a car.
In the end, the Serpenti is more than just a watch – it’s a work of art, a one-of-a-kind creation that defies categorization. Its unique blend of design, engineering, and style makes it a true masterpiece, worthy of admiration and contemplation.
