LVMH Watch week 2026: More jewellery than a watch, and more statement than accessory. The Tubogas Manchette showcases Bvlgari at its most expressive and unapologetically glamorous!
2026 is off to a flying start for Bvlgari, with the brand unveiling three stunning new timepieces at LVMH Watch Week. When asked which model I wanted to cover, I was immediately drawn to the Tubogas Manchette. While the Maglia Milanese is undeniably eye-catching, thanks to its bold case design and beautifully executed Milanese bracelet, there’s something about the Tubogas Manchette that pulls you in. Perhaps it’s the way it resembles a collection of sculpted stones, or maybe there’s a subtle gauntlet-like presence that reminds one of a certain Marvel character.
Aside from the pop-culture references, the Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette is not an entirely new release. While the Tubogas was first introduced in 1948, initially in the serpentine form, the Tubogas Manchette is a much more modern release, making its debut in 2025. The Tubogas Manchette takes its design inspiration from a 1970s model, which coiled artistically around the wrist with tapering links.
The Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette, released last year, featured this slinky coiled bracelet, with each link being engraved with text that was selected from the inspiration behind this specific timepiece: Kahlo’s biographer Beatriz Alavarado’s novel “Diarios de un accidente” (which translates to “more than a thousand ways to kiss”). At the “head” of the watch was a time dial with an automatic movement.
Now, for this latest 2026 LVMH Watch Week release, the Italian watchmaker has taken the concept of the Tubogas Manchette and wrapped it in gold, filled with diamonds and vibrant gemstones. The result is a striking display of elegance and glamour, where jewellery craftsmanship takes centre stage, and the watch becomes a statement of brilliance!
Case Design
The Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette is presented in a 16mm thick yellow gold case and bezel, which has been set with 11.98cts of diamonds. The Tubogas design, as you may know, has been specifically crafted so that it elegantly wraps around your wrist. What makes this model stand out from previous versions of the Tubogas and also the Manchette is not only the addition of the precious stones, but the carefully thought-out layout in which they are presented.
The diamonds are arranged in a sunburst-style pattern that appears to radiate outward from the central time display. With a diamond ring around the time dial itself, the pattern starts tightly packed around the dial, then gradually extends across the gold surface of the case and bracelet, creating a nice artistic display. Scattered throughout the bracelet are precious gemstones, which include: Spessartites (1.06 cts), Citrines (1.05 cts), Rubellites (0.87 ct), Peridots (0.62 ct), Amethysts (0.64 ct), and lastly Topazes (0.59 cts).
Dial Design
The dial mimics the case and bezel design; however, instead of a radiating pattern, we get a full diamond dial (0.6ct) that’s been constructed in a Pavé pattern. For those that may not know, a Pavé setting is when many small diamonds (or gemstones) are set very close together, with little to no metal being shown. This gives the image of a surface that’s been paved with stones. hence Pavé.
What this creates on the dial is a continuous, shimmering surface, rather than one that highlights individual stones. By using diamonds of varying sizes for a tighter, more organic fit, the effect closely resembles a cobblestone pavement. Yellow gold–plated hour and minute hands add warmth to the dial while providing clear contrast for easy legibility, neatly complementing the gold of the surrounding case.
Movement
The movement powering the Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette is the Lady Solotempo BVS 100 manufacture self-winding automatic calibre. This movement is still new, only released during LVMH Watch Week 2025, with its debut marking the very first time an automatic movement has been fitted into the Serpenti Seduttori and Serpenti Tubogas collections.
The Lady Solotempo BVS 100 movement showcases Bvlgari’s mastery of mechanical watchmaking. Even though it only displays the time through the hour, minute, and seconds (excluded for this model), the complexity of the movement lies in its miniature construction. Bvlgari states that “with a diameter of just 19 mm, a thickness of 3.90 mm, and 102 components, the Lady Solotempo calibre weighs a mere 5 grams. And yet it offers an impressive 50-hour power reserve and a 21,600 vph frequency”.
In the context of this Tubogas Manchette, the Lady Solotempo BVS 100 calibre movement serves as a quite technical foundation, rather than the headline act. The slim profile of the movement enables the watch to retain the sculptural proportions of the Tubogas, preserving the core design that made the timepiece iconic. Unlike the prior quartz versions, this automatic calibre neatly balances mechanical complexity with high-jewellery artistry, showcasing Bvlgari’s ability to combine serious watchmaking with Roman glamour.
Initial Thoughts
Alongside the Serpenti Seduttori, the Tubogas has been one of Bvlgari’s most iconic collections. The introduction of the Tubogas Manchette last year presents a fresh new take, paving the way for future aesthetic and visually detailed creations. And this is exactly what Bvlgari has done this year for the latest edition of the Manchette. Combining mechanical mastery with artistic flair, this new model presents an ultra-glamorous look, one that feels undeniably special to wear on the wrist.
This latest addition to the Tubogas collection is a stark reminder that Bvlgari operates in a space that few watchmakers truly occupy, where high jewellery and serious watchmaking can co-exist. These aren’t timepieces that are designed to conform to trends or appeal to traditional watchmaking standards of sports and dress watches, but rather to make a confident statement through high craftsmanship, design, materials, and gemstones, and of course, that Italian glamour!
Reference: Bvlgari Tubogas Manchette (Ref. 104093)
Specifications
- Dimensions: 135mm x 16mm
- Case Material: Yellow gold case and bezel set with diamonds (11.98cts). Also set with gemstones which include: Spessartites (1.06 cts), Citrines (1.05 cts), Rubellites (0.87 ct), Peridots (0.62 ct), Amethysts (0.64 ct), and lastly Topazes (0.59 cts).
- Dial: Pavé diamond dial (0.6 ct). Yellow gold-plated hands.
- Movement: Automatic Calibre Lady Solotempo BVS 100
- Power Reserve: 50h
- Beat Rate: 3Hz (21,600VpH)
- Water Resistance: N/A
- Strap: Yellow gold bracelet (part of the case design), set with diamonds and gemstones (see above).