Bulgari starts 2022 with the introduction of the Piccolissimo, one of the smallest mechanical movements on the market. Designed and produced within the Bulgari Manufacture in Le Sentier, this little jewel of micro technology – “piccolissimo is the Italian for “very small” – is used for the first time to equip four new Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery that revisit the unmistakeable design from the 1950s while opening new territories of expression.
Thanks to the exceptional experience of Bulgari in the development of ultra-thin watches, the brand was able to create a very compact movement, indicating the hours and minutes, that is housed in the head of the reptile within a dedicated container.
The new BVL100 calibre is 12 mm in diameter, 2.50 mm thick and weighs only 1.30 grams. To have an idea of its extreme miniaturisation of its 102 components, just consider that the barrel has a diameter of just 5.00 mm for a thickness of 1.47 mm with a spring that is 170 mm long before being wound.
Beating at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour, the balance wheel is made of white gold ( be sure to check our list of the best gold watches) to ensure the greatest inertia even with such a small size.
The first Serpenti secret watches were introduced in the late 1950s. Several iterations, in two- or three-colour gold or combined with steel, confirmed the unique savoir-faire of Bulgari in creating jewels characterised by daring colour combinations and unconventional materials.
In line with this heritage, the new Serpenti Misteriosi timepieces are opulent and colourful. By combining yellow, rose and white gold with brilliant-cut diamonds, pear-cut emeralds and rubellites, and turquoise inserts, Bulgari created true masterpieces of goldsmithing and gem-setting.
Pressing the snake’s tongue on the Serpenti Misteriosi opens the head to reveal the watch.
A bidirectional crown located on the caseback enables manual winding and time-setting. This dual function operates by means of a system of reversers. The autonomy is 30 hours.
Particular attention has been paid to the overall design of the precious metal structure forming the bracelet and the head to ensure that it is comfortable and light to wear.
Each timepiece is designed to be worn on either wrist: the container hidden within the snake’s head – housing the diamond-encrusted dial and the underlying movement – can be easily removed and turned in the other direction so as to be easily visible on the left or right arm.
Driven by a jewel of micro-mechanics, the new Bulgari Serpenti Misteriosi High Jewellery are now even more precious. Also be sure to check 10 most expensive wrist watches in the world.
