Elegance comes in various shapes and sizes.
From shimmering creations to engineering marvels, these timepieces take watches to unprecedented heights, elevating them to levels far higher than mere watches.
Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti
MB&F and Bvlgari are brands that are no strangers to luxury; in fact, it can be argued that they are leading experts in the field. It also comes as no surprise that these two would join forces to create a timepiece that is truly groundbreaking, marrying Bvlgari’s jewellery expertise with MB&F’s Legacy Machines. Introducing the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti.
A unique product of the combined vision and experience of both brands, the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti necessitates a thorough redesign in terms of case design and mechanical engineering. The end product is a watch that subtly improves the design and calibre of the original.
The Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti required a rigorous design process that included dozens of 3D-printed models and hundreds of sketches. With curves and dimensions that provide a drastically different view from every angle, the case design is extremely intricate. The snake’s eyes, one of the five sapphire crystals with this elaborate design, are coated on both sides to prevent reflections.
Within the case is a similarly intricate movement that was created internally by MB&F. The custom movement has a 45-hour power reserve, a large 14mm flying balance wheel, hand-applied Super-LumiNova, and rotating hour and minute domes.
There will be three limited editions of the Bvlgari x MB&F Serpenti, each with 33 pieces: a black PVD-coated stainless steel case with vivid red eyes, an 18K rose gold case with piercing green eyes, and a grade 5 titanium case with blue hour and minute domes. Prices range from CHF132’000 (~RM644,381) to CHF152,700 (~RM742,015). For more information or enquiries, visit MB&F’s official website.
G-SHOCK Fine Metallic Series
G-SHOCK is back with another lineup of GM-5600 and GM-2100 watches. By introducing the Tough Silicone Band, the Japanese watchmaker takes yet another creative step into the future, building on its formula of durable functionality. The proprietary substance, which took ten years to perfect, has a high gloss, shimmering finish and combines silicone and urethane qualities. The brand’s preference for tough, functional aesthetics is still present in the newest Fine Metallic series, which feels and looks luxurious.
The octagonal GM-2100 and retro square-shaped GM-5600 lines, which were sleek and simple, helped to propel the brand’s promise of strength and durability, making G-SHOCK a respectable household name in the 1980s. With a 1/100-second stopwatch and countdown timer, the GM-5600YM-8, GM-5600YMG-9, GM-2100YM-8A, and GM-2100YMG-9A are shock- and water-resistant devices that come in cool-toned silver and glowing gold colourways. The GM-5600 models come with a Super Illuminator LED and five daily alarms.
Another groundbreaking achievement for G-SHOCK is the Tough Silicone Band, which questions the balance between strength and beauty. It is made of a multilayer silicone resin that is shielded by a sheet of urethane resin. The top layer is translucent, and the underside is vapour-deposited to produce a metallic, glowing finish. Compared to regular silicone, the silicone strap is more abrasion-resistant and lenient on the wrist while still being flexible and durable. It has the reflective materiality of stainless steel. The glass fiber-reinforced case and stainless steel bezel at the watch face are both expertly forged and cut to create a sophisticated sense of texture that goes well with the glistening strap.
These vintage designs, which have long been associated with toughness, are given new life by updating the GM-5600 and GM-2100 lines with new straps, cases, and bezels. All of G-SHOCK’s classic design elements are still present; the difficulty in the new millennium is balancing appearance and functionality.
The Fine Metallics collection is available for purchase now at G-SHOCK’s official website, with prices ranging from US$240 (~RM1,071) – US$300 (~RM1,338).
