Bulgari Monete Catene Secret Watches

Bulgari Monete Catene. Bulgari has sourced valuable antique coins and incorporated them into the he Monete Catene High Jewelry Secret Watches

A showcase of antique treasures blending masterful watchmaking and jewelry

Bulgari has sourced valuable antique coins, carefully selected for their historical significance, and incorporated them into the Monete Catene High Jewelry Secret Watches (Monete and Catene are the Italian for Coins and Chains, respectively).

Made of gold and diamonds, these exceptional creations are a demonstration of sophistication and aesthetic mastery, showcasing exceptional antique treasures of Ancient Rome and Greece, a quintessential element of the Bulgari style.

The Monete Catene Secret Watch 103870, features a single denarius, a silver coin with the effigy of Emperor Caracalla, who ruled from 198 to 217 AD. Minted during his reign, the coin expresses this emperor’s strategic genius.

The two coins in the Monete Catene Dual Time Secret Watch 103871, evoke the reign of the legendary couple formed by the Emperor Septimus Severus – emperor from 193 to 211 AD – and his empress Julia Domna, revered as a goddess. 

Fashioned from gold and set with diamonds, these high jewelry timepieces flow around the wrist thanks to supple chain bracelets reminiscent of 1940s curb chains, also known as gourmettes. 

Inspired by the innovative concept of Gemme Nummarie introduced by Nicola Bulgari in the mid 1960s, the new Monete Catene Secret Watch elevates the case to another level integrating such a powerful symbol of history. Its geometry evokes the ceiling of the Maxentius Basilica in Rome.

The Monete Catene Dual Time Secret Watch looks back at another chapter of Bulgari history drawing inspiration from the Maison’s watch creation from the 1970s. 

Two dials, each with hands in distinct colours, indicate the time in separate time zones. Bulgari harmoniously combines the brilliance of yellow gold, encircling the coins, with the elegance of rose gold, reflecting a two-tone style popular during that era. The watch is further enhanced with baguette and brilliant-cut diamonds, meticulously set in a delicate snow pattern, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship in jewelry-making. 

On the sides of the case, two emerald cabochons, a Bulgari hallmark, provide the ‘keys’ to revealing the splendour of the otherwise hidden dials, enabling the owner to open the case of the watch.

Within these precious horological creations, a marvel of miniaturisation beats relentessly with precision. Created by the Bulgari Manufacture, the hand-wound Piccolissimo BVL 100 movement is the smallest round mechanical movement on the market. Beating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour, it offers a 30-hour power reserve.

Bulgari continues to redefine the boundaries of watchmaking, and the Monete Catene collection is another outstanding example of their dedication to excellence. bulgari.com

Suggested reading:

- The history of Bulgari watches