The Year of the Blue Snake has begun and we have already passed the middle of January. According to ancient legends the blue snake was a spiritual being that connected the sky and the earth. It is said that on the first day of every year it would descend from the heavens to bring wisdom to the human world and observe the fate of the year. The presence of the snake has also been a great inspiration for watches. Bulgari Serpenti, Called the eternal icon of sensuality, Is a representative watch inspired by the snake.

The Snake in Myth and History

Perhaps the most famous story related to snakes is the scene where the snake tempts Eve to eat the apple in the Garden of Eden. The snake appears not only in the Bible but also in Greek and Roman mythology. Asclepius, The son of Apollo, Was the god of medicine who brought the art of healing to humanity. In ancient times people believed that sleeping in the temple of Asclepius would cure illnesses or reveal treatments. It is even said that Asclepius could bring the dead back to life thanks to the blood of Medusa, Which had the power to revive the dead.

Asclepius: The God of Healing ⓒ epostravel-tours

The way a snake sheds its skin resembles recovery from illness and snakes are also known for their exceptional ability to find medicinal herbs. Because of this, Ancient people regarded snakes as symbols of healing and wisdom.

Uraeus with the Red Crown of Lower Egypt
ⓒ wikipedia

Meanwhile, Egyptian pharaohs wore a snake (cobra) ornament called Uraeus (from the word for "rising cobra") on their crowns. This symbolized the pharaoh's absolute authority and divinity. In myth and history, The snake was regarded as a mystical creature symbolizing healing (infinite regeneration), Divinity, And wisdom. At the same time, Like Medusa's head that turned people to stone, It was also seen as a frightening yet fascinating being, Representing duality.

The History of Serpenti

Serpenti means snake in Italian. The snake, Which had various meanings in myth and history, Was clearly an attractive source of inspiration for Bulgari, Who enjoys bold and sensual designs. The legless, Winding, And flexible form and movement of the snake also became a source of inspiration. In 2023, Serpenti celebrated its 75th anniversary, Starting from the jewelry watch introduced by Bulgari in 1948 with a bold form and a way to wear it wrapped around the wrist.

The original Tubogas Serpenti watch from 1948
ⓒ revolutionwatch

The watch was placed where the snake's head would be, As if the snake was coiled around the arm. This is called Serpenti Tubogas. The name comes from the Italian word for the flexible gas pipe used inside the bracelet, Allowing it to wrap around the arm. In the 1950s, Serpenti fully embodied the snake motif by shaping the dial like a snake's head and using a hinge to conceal the dial, Creating an even more realistic secret watch.

Bulgari Serpenti in 1960s, 1970s
ⓒ timeandtidewatches

In the 1960s, Colorful stones and enameled scales were added to the snake's body for extra brilliance. In the 1970s, The collection expanded beyond jewelry watches to include rings, Bracelets, Necklaces, And more. Today, The Serpenti collection includes high jewelry and high jewelry watches adorned with the finest gemstones, As well as bags boldly featuring the snake's head as a button. The Serpenti collection has now established itself as Bulgari's iconic symbol of sensuality.

Collection

Moving beyond its 75th anniversary and heading towards its 80th, Serpenti has constantly evolved with the times and trends. Like a snake shedding its skin, It continues to offer fresh newness. The current Serpenti watch collection is largely divided into the traditional Tubogas and Seduttori lines, Delivering both modernity suited to the 2020s and the timeless sensual beauty of the snake.

Serpenti Tubogas

Tubogas, Which uses a flexible gas pipe to depict the snake's winding form, Has shown different appearances over the years. From the high jewelry watch version in the 1960s, Where Elizabeth Taylor wore a model with a diamond-decorated head and tail, To the present, It has been introduced in various materials and colors. The gas pipe, Which is the core of the Serpenti structure, Has evolved over time into materials with enhanced durability and flexibility.

Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas 103149 ⓒ bulgari

Depending on demand and region, The length of the snake can be longer or shorter. In the past, There was a long version called the Serpenti Five Coil Tubogas, Which could wrap around the arm five times, But now both regular and short versions are available in the collection. The short version is a strategy for the Asian market, Where arm lengths are relatively shorter than in the West. In the 1950s, The watch part shaped like a snake's head was hidden with a hinge, But now the open version is mainstream. As befits a collection with a long tradition, It offers a wide range of choices in materials, Colors, Shapes, And details.

Serpenti Tubogas 102098

35mm, Black Opaline

Serpenti Tubogas 103149

35mm, Silver Opaline

Serpenti Tubogas 103131

27mm, Silver Opaline

Serpenti Seduttori

Seduttori, Which means "seduction" in Italian, Reveals one of the snake's alluring qualities. Newly added in 2019, The collection features a case shaped like a snake's head, With an asymmetrical top and bottom and graceful lines.

Serpenti Seduttori Watch ⓒ bulgari

The biggest difference between Tubogas and Seduttori is whether or not the Tubogas bracelet is used. The latter chose a conventional watch bracelet instead of tradition. Of course, Hexagonal links suitable for Serpenti were used to geometrically express the snake's scales. The overall shape of Serpenti Seduttori can also be interpreted as a snake eating its own tail. This can be seen as symbolizing eternity or immortality by consuming its own body and regenerating itself.

Serpenti Seduttori Watch ⓒ bulgari

Although its history is still short, Serpenti Seduttori introduces its own charm with a variety of materials, Just like Serpenti Tubogas. It delivers intensity with colored gold, Stainless steel, Or their combinations, Or with glossy black ceramic. The dazzling gem settings, An essential feature of Serpenti, Are freely used, And the collection also follows trends with green dial versions. While the scale-shaped bracelet is the identity of the Serpenti Seduttori collection, Formal leather strap versions of the jewelry watch are also introduced.

Serpenti Seduttori 103274

33mm, White Opaline

Serpenti Seduttori 103450

33mm, Black

Serpenti Seduttori 103955

33mm, White Opaline