Introducing the Bulgari Serpenti's New Automatic Movement, the BVS100 Lady Solotempo
Bulgari has made history at this year’s LVMH Watch Week with the release of the BVS100 Lady Solotempo, the brand’s first automatic movement for its iconic Serpenti collection. This is a groundbreaking moment, as it marks a significant step forward for women’s watches in high horology—a development I’ve been hoping to see for some time.
The Basics:
Brand: Bulgari
Movement: BVS100 Lady Solotempo
Movement Specs: Automatic, 50-hour power reserve.
The Juice:
When the Serpenti was first released in 1948, it featured a mechanical, manual-winding movement. However, following the Quartz Crisis of the 1970s and 80s, most Serpenti models adopted quartz movements. While a few manual-wind Serpenti models emerged in 2021, quartz remained the dominant choice for Bulgari’s most iconic women’s watch collection.
Why? Women’s watches are typically smaller, making it more challenging and expensive to develop small, mechanical automatic movements. Many brands have historically prioritized aesthetics over horology in their women’s collections, often straddling the line between fine jewelry and watchmaking.
In recent years, however, brands like Bulgari have started investing more resources into their women’s collections. The Serpenti, as a true icon, is a fitting platform for Bulgari’s first in-house automatic movement designed specifically for smaller timepieces. The BVS100 Lady Solotempo debuts in the Serpenti Seduttori and Tubogas collections, blending high horology with Bulgari’s renowned jewelry design.
The Movement:
The BVS100 Lady Solotempo is an impressive technical achievement. Measuring just 19mm in diameter and 3.9mm thick, it weighs only 5 grams and boasts a respectable 50-hour power reserve. Designed for versatility, Bulgari has indicated that this movement will eventually be used across multiple collections and even produced separately in Zenith’s manufacture for use in other LVMH brands. This kind of collaboration bodes well for the industry and ensures the movement’s longevity.
Initially, the movement is launching in nine different Serpenti models: seven Seduttori models and two Tubogas models. All will feature a seconds hand, the word “Automatic” on the dial, and a display caseback. While the Seduttori models will include steel options, the first two Tubogas models, with their iconic snake-like bracelets, will be available in rose gold. I’m hopeful we’ll see steel and two-tone Tubogas versions soon.
Why This Matters:
The introduction of the BVS100 Lady Solotempo is more than a technical milestone; it’s a statement. Women are serious watch collectors, and they deserve timepieces that meet the same horological standards as those designed for men. Bulgari’s commitment to developing an in-house automatic movement for the Serpenti collection is a significant step in addressing this imbalance.
Final Thoughts:
I’m thrilled to see Bulgari and LVMH dedicate resources to advancing women’s watches. The Serpenti’s blend of high horology and iconic design has always been special, but the addition of the BVS100 Lady Solotempo takes it to the next level. This release sets a new benchmark for women’s watches and signals exciting developments ahead.
You can learn more about the Bulgari BVS100 Lady Solotempo here.