The secrets of time
Italian History is spangled with a host of accounts from Antiquity to the current day. Back in the middle of the 1960s, this rich heritage became a source of inspiration for Bulgari which center staged it in unexpected creations. Coins bearing the portraits of prominent figures featured in delicate jewelry pieces and infused them with a powerful, timeless link that espoused the past and present. Today, denarii from the Roman Empire bring together fine jewelry and exclusive watchmaking know-how via the Monete Catene secret watch. As such, a silver denarius, dated between 198 and 217 CE, displays its delicately-carved face. The majestic 33 mm-diameter eight-sided case, which evokes the ceiling of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome, embraces the watch. This piece is complemented by a braided chain bracelet fashioned in the same precious material. The ensemble, set with around 4.10 carats of diamonds hosts the BVL 100 micro-caliber, which is just 2.5 mm thick. This hand-wound movement, a real tour de force of miniaturization, delivers a power reserve of 30 hours to the hour and minute hands that hover over the mother-of-pearl dial.
In the same spirit, the Monete Catene Dual Time blends rose gold and yellow gold. Although its design reiterates the style of a rectangular 1970s’ model, its personality is absolutely one-of-a-kind. This time round, a duo of pieces celebrates the reign of the legendary couple formed by Septimius Severus and Empress Julia Domna. Two emeralds placed on either side of the case invite to admire an amazing scenography. Two stylish dials are unveiled, each displaying a different time zone. Each pair of distinctively-colored hands comes to life powered by its own BVL 100 caliber. The cuff bracelet is imagined using five rows of links, alternating gem-set yellow gold and rose gold, fastened by white gold barrettes adorned with baguette-cut diamonds. In other words, when fine jewelry and fine watchmaking unite in perfect harmony.
