Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti collection undergoes a stunning transformation through a new artistic collaboration with renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This marks the first collaboration between Ando and the Serpenti Tubogas, following their previous partnerships on the Octo Finissimo. With this limited-edition collection, Ando brings his deep connection to nature and architectural philosophy into the realm of luxury timepieces, celebrating the ever-changing beauty of the seasons.
A Tribute to Nature’s Transience
The Tadao Ando x Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas collection is a tribute to the fleeting splendor of nature, a concept close to Ando’s heart. As a minimalist architect known for integrating natural elements into his work, Ando has always focused on light, space, and the impermanence of the natural world. The collection features four limited-edition timepieces, each inspired by the seasonal changes of nature, using vibrant materials like green aventurine, tiger’s eye, and mother of pearl to capture the hues of a forest across the seasons.
Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Executive Director of Product Creation at Bvlgari, shares: “Tadao Ando possesses a rare creativity, inspired by nature and its transient character.” This collaboration perfectly reflects Ando’s philosophy, with the serpent, symbolic of time and transformation, shedding its skin and embracing change.
The Serpenti Tubogas: Symbol of Metamorphosis
The Serpenti Tubogas is more than just a watch – it is an embodiment of metamorphosis, transformation, and rebirth. Since its debut in the 1940s, the Serpenti collection has been an icon of Bvlgari style, blending the worlds of jewelry and watchmaking. The Tubogas version of Serpenti is a tribute to the seamless continuity of nature, with its coiling design that wraps around the wrist like the serpent itself.
Ando’s own work with concrete and natural light is reflected in the way the Serpenti watches interact with materials. Just as Ando’s creations blend with their environment, these timepieces resonate with nature’s cyclical patterns, evolving with the seasons.
Capturing the Essence of the Seasons
Tadao Ando’s vision for the Serpenti watch collection draws from the timeless beauty of the seasons. The vibrant marquetry crafted from green aventurine, tiger’s eye, and pink or white mother of pearl evokes the colors and moods of nature throughout the year.
- Summer (Natsu) – The first of the limited editions, launched at the summer solstice, is inspired by the lush intensity of a sun-drenched forest. The green aventurine dial, with its translucent hues, evokes the vibrancy of summer, complemented by a yellow gold and steel case, accented with diamonds.
- Autumn (Aki) – As autumn approaches, the watch dial is crafted from tiger’s eye, offering a warm, golden glow that mirrors the changing leaves. Set entirely in rose gold, this edition reflects the golden hues of the season, enhanced by a pink rubellite crown.
- Winter (Fuyu) – The winter edition embodies nature’s icy beauty with a white mother of pearl dial that glistens with iridescence. The steel case and bracelet add a sleek, contemporary touch to this serene winter landscape.
- Spring (Haru) – The final edition celebrates the rebirth of spring, encapsulated by delicate shades of pink mother of pearl, reminiscent of cherry blossoms in bloom. This timepiece reflects the essence of renewal and vitality, set against a rose gold and steel bracelet.
Precision Craftsmanship: A Fusion of Art and Timekeeping
Each of these four limited-edition Serpenti watches is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Bvlgari’s artisans have painstakingly created intricate marquetry dials using carefully selected gemstones and mother of pearl. The interplay of colors and light on the dials evokes the ever-changing character of the seasons, with two rows of diamonds adding a touch of brilliance to each piece.
Tadao Ando’s personal touch extends beyond the design, with each watch encased in a box signed by the architect himself. The back of each watch case is engraved with Ando’s signature and the “Tadao Ando Limited Edition” label, ensuring that each piece is a unique work of art.
A Timeless Legacy
The Tadao Ando x Bvlgari Serpenti collection not only celebrates the seasons but also the idea of time itself. Ando’s commitment to blending nature with architecture is mirrored in Bvlgari’s dedication to timeless elegance and craftsmanship. Each watch in this collection is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life, echoing the passage of time while remaining eternally beautiful.
As an exclusive collection, these four Serpenti watches will be available through limited editions until spring 2025. For collectors and connoisseurs of luxury timepieces, this collaboration represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of art that bridges the worlds of architecture, nature, and watchmaking.
Specifications:
- Tadao Ando Serpenti 104002 – Limited Edition (Summer): 35mm steel case, green aventurine dial, yellow gold bezel, diamonds, quartz movement.
- Tadao Ando Serpenti 104003 – Limited Edition (Autumn): 35mm rose gold case, tiger’s eye dial, rose gold bezel, pink rubellite crown, diamonds, quartz movement.
- Tadao Ando Serpenti 104004 (S) – 104140 (L) – Limited Edition (Winter): 35mm steel case, white mother of pearl dial, steel bezel, diamonds, quartz movement.
- Tadao Ando Serpenti 104007 (S) – 104141 (L) – Limited Edition (Spring): 35mm steel case, pink mother of pearl dial, rose gold bezel, pink rubellite crown, diamonds, quartz movement.
The Tadao Ando x Bvlgari Serpenti collection is a powerful reminder of the transience and beauty of nature. Through this collaboration, Ando and Bvlgari have created a series of timepieces that celebrate the seasons and the cycle of life, offering a unique perspective on time, transformation, and the harmony between architecture, nature, and fine watchmaking.
