Small Talk

The chief watch designer, who oversees the creation of Bulgari’s timepieces, unveiled the Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon at LVMH Watch Week, but what makes him tick?

What do you love about watchmaking?

There is so much detail and craftsmanship that goes into designing watches. There are so many different inspirations and you have to master so many techniques, once you’ve created a timepiece it really does feel as though you’ve made a small piece of art. That’s especially the case if you’ve made something very small or something that’s a world-first.

Which Bulgari watch was the most difficult to create?

It’s hard to say. Each one is difficult. When we designed the ultra-slim Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Automatic, we had to create the world’s thinnest tourbillon. Designing the Serpenti’s bracelet so that it comfortably coils around the wrist was also challenging.

How about for 2020?

This year, I suppose the Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon was the most difficult. We had to create a new movement that was thin enough and the right dimensions for the watch’s snake-shaped head.

What makes your watches special?

I’d have to say our DNA. Bulgari comes from Rome, so we’re not obsessed with the rules of Swiss watchmaking heritage. We can be more adventurous. We introduced titanium into our Octo Finissimo collection, for example. We originally tried designing the Finissimo in gold, but you cannot hear the movement ticking if it’s housed in gold. So we have a different way of thinking and more freedom.