BVLGARI and MB&F Have Transformed The Serpenti : The BVLGARI x MB&F Serpenti
3 min read
MB&F and Bvlgari may seem worlds apart, but history and passion have a way of bringing seemingly distant forces together. In yet another celebration of MB&F's 20 years, the two Maisons have come together and introduced the BVLGARI x MB&F Serpenti.
Bvlgari's legacy dates back to 1884, when Sotirios Voulgaris, a Greek silversmith, established the brand in Rome. Meanwhile, MB&F (Maximilian Büsser & Friends) emerged in 2005 as a disruptive force, crafting three-dimensional horological sculptures inspired by science fiction, supercars, and the wonders of nature.
This collaboration begain in 2021 with the the MB&F x Bvlgari LM FlyingT Allegra, a timepiece that was a true fusion of both worlds, bringing Bvlgari's exuberant jewelry craftsmanship into the realm of MB&F’s Legacy Machines. A breakthrough with a large Maison associating with an independent watchmaker.
For their second collaboration, Fabrizio and Büsser envisioned a timepiece that was more than just a tribute—it had to be a radical reinterpretation.. The BVLGARI x MB&F Serpenti is a reimagination of the Serpenti, an icon since the 1940s, adorning the wrists of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor. But transforming it into an MB&F Horological Machine required a complete overhaul of traditional watchmaking conventions.
Unlike a classic round watch, the Serpenti’s case presented unique challenges, particularly in engineering its complex curves and ensuring water resistance to 30 meters. The case itself extends beyond metal, incorporating five sapphire crystals, including a multifaceted rear section—a feat that demanded extreme precision in machining and finishing.
Inside, the watch features an equally audacious movement, conceived and developed entirely in-house at MB&F. The time is displayed through revolving domes—representing the snake’s eyes—crafted from solid aluminum to keep them lightweight. The watch’s "brain" is symbolized by a mesmerizing 14mm flying balance wheel, stabilized by a three-dimensional bridge. Turning the timepiece over reveals the power reserve indicator alongside 310 meticulously hand-finished components. MB&F remains among the few brands that uphold the artisanal tradition of finishing movements by hand—an approach possible only because they craft a limited number of timepieces each year. Given the complexity of this movement, only six to eight BVLGARI x MB&F Serpenti movements can be produced per month.
In addition to its Serpenti heritage, the watch reflects another shared passion of Fabrizio and Büsser—automotive design. Its case, sculpted like the sleek contours of a car’s body, incorporates a sophisticated “stepped” sapphire crystal reminiscent of sports car rear window louvers. The crowns subtly mimic automotive wheels, while the movement’s components evoke the mechanics of an engine, featuring a grille adorned with the signature hexagonal scale motif from previous Serpenti designs.
The Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti launches in three stunning versions, each limited to 33 pieces:
- A grade 5 titanium case with blue hour and minute domes
- An 18K rose gold case with piercing green eyes
- A black PVD-coated stainless steel case with vibrant red eyes
Retail prices are as follows:
- Titanium and stainless steel versions: CHF 132,000 + VAT (USD 148,000 / EUR 140,000 + tax)
- 18K gold version: CHF 152,000 + VAT (USD 170,000 / EUR 161,000 + tax)
From Rome’s historic ateliers to MB&F’s futuristic horological lab, these two brands have intertwined their stories to bring forth a mechanical serpent like no other. The journey of reinvention continues—who knows what the next chapter will hold?
