At LVMH Watch Week, Bulgari presented the Maglia Milanese Monete, a creation that once again places the Maison at the intersection of jewellery, history, and fine watchmaking. More than a timepiece, it is a composed narrative that connects Roman antiquity, Renaissance goldsmithing, and contemporary Swiss mechanics.
The watch revisits the Monete concept first introduced by Bulgari in the mid-1960s, a line that challenged traditional watch design by integrating authentic ancient coins. At the centre of this new piece sits a genuine silver coin dating from 198 to 297 AD, depicting Emperor Caracalla. Rather than serving as a decorative reference, the coin is a true historical artifact, anchoring the watch firmly in Bulgari’s Roman identity.
This ancient element is paired with Milanese mesh, a technique developed by Italian goldsmiths during the Renaissance. Made from finely interlaced gold threads, the mesh is known for its exceptional flexibility and fluidity. While long associated with jewellery, Bulgari places it here at the core of the design, giving it a contemporary role within the Monete collection. Executed in warm rose gold, the mesh bracelet offers both visual softness and a distinctly modern feel on the wrist.
The design balances several strong motifs. The symbolism of the ancient coin contrasts with the clean geometry of Bulgari’s octagonal case, while the refined texture of the mesh introduces movement and tactility. For the first time in the Monete line, Bulgari has chosen a pin buckle, reinforcing the jewel-watch character and echoing traditional jewellery construction.
Inside, the Maglia Milanese Monete is powered by the Piccolissimo BVP100 calibre, a hand-wound movement developed specifically for compact high-jewellery watches. Measuring just 13.50 mm in diameter and 2.50 mm thick, and weighing only 1.9 grams, it allows Bulgari to preserve elegance without sacrificing mechanical integrity. Designed and produced in Le Sentier, the 102-component movement operates at 3 Hz and offers a 30-hour power reserve. A sapphire caseback reveals its finely finished architecture, highlighting Bulgari’s Swiss watchmaking expertise.
The exterior completes the picture. The rose gold case is set with brilliant-cut diamonds on the case and crown, while the white mother-of-pearl dial features twelve diamond hour markers and rose gold-plated hands. Every element is carefully calibrated to support the dialogue between antiquity, jewellery artistry, and modern haute horlogerie.
With the Maglia Milanese Monete, Bulgari does not attempt to follow conventional watchmaking paths. Instead, it reinforces a distinct identity where history is worn, craftsmanship is felt, and mechanical precision quietly supports the story. ANd don’t forget to check our list of the most expensive watches.
