“Why not create something contemporary from what is immortal?” This idea by Nicola Bulgari, grandson of the founder of the Italian house, gave birth to the Monete jewelry collection in 1966. By incorporating ancient coins into its jewelry, Bulgari built bridges between epochs and shed light on its Greco-Roman roots. Since then, these precious deniers have become one of the brand’s flagship motifs, alongside the flower and the snake. Unveiled during the Geneva Watch Days, the Monete Catene High Jewelry secret watch opens a new chapter in Bulgari’s history.
As a passionate numismatist, focusing on the study of coins and medals, Nicola Bulgari perpetuated, through his genius, a long tradition of jewelry dating back to ancient Rome. Under his guidance, the exceedingly rare coins selected for their historical relevance appeared in Bulgari’s creations. The original structure of these coins, often adorned with royal portraits and symbols of power, was preserved, with the jewelry settings adapted to highlight the interplay of contrasts.
In the realm of watchmaking, Bulgari has introduced a new creation, the Monete Catene High Jewelry secret watch – also available in a Dual Time version – to enhance these precious artifacts. Crafted in 18-carat rose gold, it features an octagonal case reminiscent of the ceiling of the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome and a mother-of-pearl dial concealed under a lid set with diamonds. At its heart, the Monete Catene splendidly displays a millennium-old coin struck with the effigy of the famous Roman emperor Caracalla, who ruled over the Eternal City from 198 to 217 AD. Powered by the hand-wound Piccolissimo mechanical micro-movement, the watch extends into a precious chain bracelet – “catene” in Italian – whose gourmette style is rooted in the brand’s creative heritage.
A successful combination of Bulgari’s jewelry craftsmanship and horological expertise, the Monete Catene watch bears the unmistakable signature of the Roman house founded in 1884. It exalts a treasure over 2000 years old, granting those who wear it on their wrist the ultimate privilege – to carry with them a fragment of history.
