INTRODUCING: The Bulgari Serpentini x Tadao Ando

Bulgari’s Serpenti Tubogas jewelry watches have been adorning wrists for over 75 years. The beautiful and versatile watch was first introduced in 1948 in a similar Tubogas technique as it is done today. The original one had a square head instead of the more serpent like head it does today. Many other changes have come about over the last few decades that have further propelled the collection into the work of art it continues to be. In the 60s the collection evolved to mimic the serpent style even more. Bulgari incorporated the use of gemstones and enamel dials giving the watch more of a flair of jewelry in addition to its functional timepiece.

Since the Serpenti Tubogas is a work of art within itself, Bulgari ingeniously collaborates with artists to continue to develop the Serpenti Tuboas collection. To celebrate its 75th anniversary throughout the year of 2023, Bulgari released a special series and collaborated with various artists around the world. They showcased these pieces in multiple countries with the artists. Now, they’ve once more utilized their creative platform and collaborated with Japanese artist, Tadao Ando, in the newest addition to the Serpenti Tubogas collection.

THE BASICS:

Brand: bulgari

Model: Tadao Ando X Bulgari Serpenti

Case Material: Stainless Steel and Rose Gold variations

Case Size: 35mm

Water Resistance:

Movement: Quartz

Movement Specs:

Strap Options: 135mm twirl bracelet

THE JUICE:

Tadao Ando and Bulgari have collaborated in the past in other collections, but for the first time they’ve come together to create four limited edition pieces of the Serpenti Tubogas watches. Tadao Ando is a self-made architect out of Osaka, Japan. He was awarded the Pritzker Prize, a coveted recognition in the world of architecture. He has a natural talent for incorporating nature and architecture. He specifically uses the changing patterns of light across his works, so it is no different when he is also adding his expertise to watch designs. Ando’s goal is to always create harmony between materials and nature. The collaboration highlights the serpent’s role in nature and trough the four pieces we see the transformations of seasons and the renewal of the snake shedding its skin, making the Serpenti truly timeless.

The materials used in creating the dials for the collection are green aventurine, tiger’s eye, and pink or white mother of pearl. Each material has been carefully cut into pieces and crafted into dials which mimic the scales of a serpent. Each represents a different season and mood. The case of watch has been lined with two rows of diamonds on either side further playing into the themes of light which are important in Ando’s work. The four pieces—natsu, aki, fuyu, and haru—will be released in their respective seasons. The first being natsu, or summer in Japanese. Then aki (autumn), fuyu (winter), and haru when once more spring approaches.

Bulgari brings together art, jewelry, and timekeeping effortlessly through their own creativity and through working with some of the world’s best artists. It is always exciting to see what new pieces and concepts Bulgari will grow its collection through. The Serpenti Tubogas is one of the most iconic and unique watches out there and this addition only emphasizes its versatility and timelessness. Each of the four pieces are limited editions and are engraved on the caseback with Ando’s signature.

So how much is the Tadao Ando Serpenti Watch?

rose gold $41,600 USD, Steel and yellow gold $16,800 USD, steel and rose gold $16,400 USD, stainless steel $10,900 USD.

Read more about the watch on the brands website here.