The flagship launch for Bulgari at LVMH Watch Week is a compact tourbillon for ladies that’s technically interesting because it is powered by a newly-developed form movement.

The Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon is a moderately large ladies’ watch, with a case measuring 34 mm in diameter and a slim 8.9 mm high.

Because it is a Serpenti – which is Italian for “serpent” – the case is shaped like a snake’s head, giving it an ovoid form that has quite a presence on the wrist. Available in white gold or rose gold, the case is set with diamonds, as is the dial (and there’s also a version in white gold with a matching bracelet, set in diamonds from end to end).

Inside is the BVL150, a hand-wound movement constructed specifically for this watch. It’s a small movement, measuring 22 mm at its longest and 3.65 mm high, but still manages to accommodate a tourbillon and a 40-hour power reserve.

More notably, the movement is a form movement; its shape traces the case, with the tourbillon taking centre stage at six o’clock.

Unusually, the tourbillon looks like a flying tourbillon, but is a conventional tourbillon secured by a bridge. But the bridge is a piece of clear sapphire, with the pivot jewel in its centre, making it almost invisible.

Another unconventional feature is the crown, which is positioned just between two and three o’clock – inclined at six degrees from the horizontal according to Bulgari – a necessity due to the compact size of the movement.

Key facts and price

Serpenti Seduttori Tourbillon
Ref. 103257 (rose gold)
Ref. 103260 (white gold)
Ref. 103262 (white gold with white gold bracelet)

Case diameter: 34 mm
Height: 8.9 mm
Material: 18k rose or white gold
Water resistance: 30 m

Movement: BVL150
Functions: Hours and minutes
Frequency: 21,600 beats per hour (3 Hz)
Winding: Hand-wound
Power reserve: 40 hours

Strap: Alligator strap, or white gold bracelet

Availability: At both retailers and boutiques
Price: US$78,000, or 114,000 Singapore dollars (rose gold); US$82,000, or 119,000 Singapore dollars (white gold); US$151,000, or 218,000 Singapore dollars (white gold with bracelet)

For more, visit Bulgari.com.