Elizabeth Taylor And Dua Lipa’s Favourite Watch Has Had A Minimalist Makeover

Long before today’s enthusiasm for layering tennis bracelets, bangles and timepieces, houses such as Bulgari created watches that functioned as both adornment and instrument. Since its debut in 1948, the signature Serpenti has wrapped around wrists in countless forms, its sinuous silhouette becoming one of the most recognisable motifs in modern jewellery and watchmaking.

Its most famous wearer was gem obsessive Elizabeth Taylor, who modelled a gold bracelet watch set with emeralds and diamonds on the set of Cleopatra in 1962, during her love affair with Richard Burton. Dua Lipa, a modern-day fan, greeted guests at her pre-wedding drinks in Palermo this summer wearing an intrecciato leather Bottega Veneta dress with not one, but two jewel-encrusted Serpenti timepieces.

Bvlgari’s latest Serpenti Aeterna chimes with the mood of the autumn/winter 2026 catwalks, where brands refocused on their core design codes, from Prada’s foundational wardrobe built around just four pieces to Gucci’s purist partywear. The new bracelet watch strips the Roman jewellery icon back to its essence, reducing the snake to a graphic curve of gold. Minimalism by way of Cleopatra, the Serpenti lives to tell another tale.

Main image, gold diamond and mother-of-pearl watch, price on request, Bvglari. Bicolour gold ring, £6050, Dior Joallerie. Nylon dress, £1495, Marni. Shorts, £65. Trainers, £90. Both Nike. Socks, £25, Maria La Rosa. Make-up: Claire Urquhart. Nails: Sasha Goddard. Model: Libby Bennett.