Few watch designs can claim the kind of cultural staying power that Bulgari’s Serpenti has achieved. Since its debut in 1948, the snake-inspired timepiece has consistently evolved, winding its way through horological history with effortless grace. Rooted in Bulgari’s Greco-Roman heritage and inspired by the opulent jewellery of ancient times, the Serpenti has always been more than a watch—it’s a symbol of transformation, sensuality, and strength.
Now, as 2025 rings in the Year of the Snake, Bulgari is marking the occasion with a fittingly momentous shift. For the first time, the Serpenti will feature an in-house automatic movement, bringing a new dimension of technical prowess to the collection. The Lady Solotempo BVS100 calibre is a significant step forward, reinforcing Bulgari’s reputation as a true manufacture while ensuring the Serpenti remains as functional as it is beautiful.
The Lady Solotempo BVS100: A Movement Fit for a Legend
The Serpenti’s signature design—its curving, serpentine form—has long been its defining feature. But that distinctive shape presented a unique challenge: how to fit an automatic movement into the compact case without disrupting its fluid lines? The solution came in the form of the Lady Solotempo BVS100, a movement that Bulgari developed from scratch to meet the Serpenti’s specific dimensions.
Measuring just 19mm in diameter and 3.90mm thick, the BVS100 is a marvel of micro-engineering. It offers a time-only display with hours, minutes, and seconds, powered by a self-winding rotor that features Bulgari’s signature serpent-scale motif. Despite its diminutive size, the movement delivers a robust 50-hour power reserve—an impressive feat for a watch of this scale.
Designed and assembled at Bulgari’s manufacture in Le Sentier, Switzerland, the Lady Solotempo reflects years of research and refinement. The movement also marks Bulgari’s commitment to self-sufficiency, allowing the brand to maintain full control over quality and craftsmanship. In a broader sense, it signals a new era for the Serpenti collection—one that balances heritage with cutting-edge innovation.
The New Serpenti Seduttori and Tubogas: Variants That Shine
With the introduction of the Lady Solotempo, Bulgari is unveiling a fresh lineup of Serpenti Seduttori and Serpenti Tubogas models, each infused with the Maison’s signature blend of elegance and technical mastery.
Serpenti Seduttori Automatic
The Seduttori range has long been known for its sleek, second-skin fit and hexagonal bracelet links. Now, with the addition of the automatic movement, it gains a new level of refinement. The collection features:
- Yellow Gold Variant (Ref. 103898) – A 34mm yellow gold case with a bezel set with 36 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The white opaline dial is paired with gold-plated hands and indexes, while the cabochon-cut pink rubellite crown adds a signature Bulgari touch.
- Rose Gold Variant (Ref. 103899) – Featuring the same case and diamond-studded bezel but in warm rose gold, this model exudes understated luxury.
- Steel & Rose Gold Variant (Ref. 104058) – A blend of steel and rose gold, offering a modern contrast between metals. The dial remains classic with its white opaline finish, while the supple bracelet enhances comfort.
- Full Steel Variant (Ref. 104060 / 104062) – A clean, contemporary take with a stainless steel case and a choice of white opaline or black lacquered dials.
- Pavé Diamond Variants (Ref. 103990 & 103992) – These high-jewellery masterpieces push the Serpenti’s opulence to the extreme, featuring full pavé diamond dials, diamond-set bracelets, and dazzling white or yellow gold cases.
Serpenti Tubogas Automatic
For those who prefer the Tubogas aesthetic, which recalls Bulgari’s vintage snake bracelets of the 1940s, the new automatic models bring fresh appeal:
- Rose Gold Variant (Ref. 103903 / 103905) – A 35mm curved rose gold case with a bezel set with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds. The guilloché sunray white opaline dial adds a radiant depth, while the flexible Tubogas bracelet—available in one or two twirls—remains one of the most comfortable bracelet designs in high watchmaking.
A Mechanical Heart for an Iconic Jewel
The introduction of an automatic movement in the Serpenti represents more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a statement. Bulgari has always balanced the worlds of high jewellery and fine watchmaking, and the Lady Solotempo BVS100 bridges those two realms beautifully. With its oscillating weight adorned with the seven-scale Serpenti motif, the movement itself becomes a design element, celebrating the very essence of the collection.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this evolution signals an exciting new phase for the Serpenti—one where horology and high jewellery coexist more seamlessly than ever before. Whether in its diamond-studded Seduttori form or its elegant Tubogas iteration, the Serpenti remains one of Bulgari’s most captivating creations.
In 2025, the snake sheds its skin once more, emerging stronger, sleeker, and more technically accomplished than ever before. And with its new beating heart, the Serpenti is set to continue hypnotising watch lovers for generations to come.