Roman Holiday, Reimagined: Bvlgari’s Mother-Of-Pearl Masterpiece Captures The Eternal Seduction Of Summer

The scene could have been lifted from a lost reel of Roman Holiday.

It is 1975. In a softly lit atelier, as the golden glow of dusk spills across polished workbenches and sketches scattered like treasure maps, Gianni Bulgari contemplates a singular idea. Not merely a watch, but an object of desire. 

A keepsake of Roman elegance destined for only one hundred of the most important clients of the historic Rue du Rhône 30 boutique in Geneva. Exclusive, audacious and unmistakably Italian, the creation would become the foundation of a legend.

Two years later, the vision would be reimagined by the celebrated Gérald Genta. Renamed Bvlgari Bvlgari, it would emerge as one of modern watchmaking’s most recognisable designs—a bold expression of Roman glamour where jewellery, fashion and horology converge with effortless sophistication.

More than half a century on, that story enters a dazzling new chapter.

For Summer 2026, Bvlgari unveils two exquisitely feminine interpretations of the Bvlgari Bvlgari, transforming the maison’s most iconic watch into a radiant ode to the Italian summer. At first glance, they appear enchanting. Upon closer inspection, they reveal themselves as miniature works of art.

Presented in luminous pink and mesmerising green, the new 33mm creations feature extraordinary mother-of-pearl marquetry dials composed of approximately 400 individually arranged fragments. 

The result is an iridescent mosaic that seems to shimmer with every movement, recalling sunlight dancing across the Mediterranean at golden hour.

Yet the true magic lies in the craftsmanship.

Drawing inspiration from the ancient Roman art of polychrome mosaic, once used to create lavish frescoes adorning the grandest villas and palazzos, Bvlgari has translated this ancestral decorative mastery onto a watch dial. 

Piece by piece, artisan hands assemble the delicate mother-of-pearl fragments into a luminous fresco at miniature scale. Twelve diamond hour markers punctuate the composition, creating a mesmerising interplay of light, texture and brilliance.

The pink version, pairs its ethereal mother-of-pearl dial with a warm rose-gold bezel engraved with the unmistakable double Bvlgari signature. A natural pink tourmaline cabochon crowns the case, adding a final flourish of romance.

Its equally captivating green sibling, presents the marquetry artistry in rich green mother-of-pearl framed by a yellow-gold bezel. Here, the deeper hue evokes the lush gardens and cypress-lined landscapes of an Italian summer retreat, while yellow gold infuses the watch with unmistakable Roman splendour.

Both models feature polished and satin-brushed steel bracelets, elegant 33mm cases, quartz movements and a water resistance of 30 metres, ensuring effortless wear from sun-drenched afternoons to glamorous evenings beneath the stars.

The engraved double-logo bezel remains the collection’s defining signature. Inspired by inscriptions found on ancient Roman coins, it is more than a decorative detail; it is a declaration of identity. Few watch designs communicate heritage with such confidence and clarity.

That confidence has always defined Bvlgari itself.

The story began in 1884 when Greek silversmith Sotirio Voulgaris established a modest workshop in Rome. Over the decades, the maison evolved into one of the world’s most celebrated jewellers, adored by royalty, aristocracy and Hollywood legends alike. 

Few relationships embody that allure more vividly than that of Elizabeth Taylor, whose passion for Bvlgari jewellery became almost as legendary as her films.

Today, Bvlgari’s universe extends far beyond jewellery. From coveted Serpenti handbags to extraordinary hospitality destinations and private residences overlooking the Aegean coast of Bodrum, the Roman maison has become a complete expression of contemporary luxury living.

Its watchmaking story is equally compelling. By marrying exceptional jewellery savoir-faire with Swiss precision, Bvlgari has created some of the most coveted timepieces of the modern era, including the hypnotic Serpenti Tubogas, the architectural Octo Roma and, of course, the enduring Bvlgari Bvlgari.

The new Roman Summer editions encapsulate everything that makes the maison irresistible. They are nostalgic yet contemporary. Technically refined yet emotionally evocative. Ancient in inspiration yet unmistakably modern in execution.

Most importantly, they capture a feeling.

The feeling of Rome at sunset. Of elegance without effort. Of a fleeting summer moment so beautiful one wishes it could last forever.

With only a glance at their shimmering mosaic dials, one understands precisely why some watches tell time while others become memories. 

The latest Bvlgari Bvlgari creations belong firmly to the latter—and for collectors fortunate enough to secure one, perhaps both, they may well become the most beautiful souvenir of summer imaginable.

Bvlgari Bvlgari Roman Summer collection is available now in all Bvlgari boutiques worldwide. 

*Photos courtesy of Bvlgari.