Bulgari was founded in Rome in 1884 by entrepreneurial silversmith Sotirio Bulgari, who soon established a reputation for distinctive, vibrant design combined with the very best craftsmanship. And as it has grown into one of the most prestigious names in luxury, its modern-day creations continue to stay true to its strong Italian roots, unique style and pursuit of quality.

Its watch collections for both men and women are one of the best expressions of this ethos, simultaneously diverse in nature while remaining unmistakably Bulgari. A new pop-up exhibition at the Watches of Switzerland boutique in Broadgate, City of London, until 30 November showcases two of its most iconic lines – the Octo and the Serpenti – that highlight both its technical watchmaking mastery and expertise in exquisite high-jewellery timepieces.

Since it was introduced in the late 1940s the Serpenti has created its own folklore as storied as the ancient snake that informs its eye-catching design. Throughout the centuries the reptile has been a key motif for many civilizations, linked to fertility and regeneration for the Egyptians, healing, death and rebirth in Greek mythology, as well as appearing in countless important works of art and literature. For Bulgari, the watch family was born out of its use of the tubogas technique, recalling an ancient Roman practice of twisting twine to make jewellery. These would be ingeniously turned into stunning timepieces that elegantly slither their way around the wrist.

Similarly the Serpenti has undergone many different iterations over the decades, each bringing a new and fresh take on this unusual silhouette. Among those to be discovered in person at the pop-up is a new Serpenti Tubogas watch combining stainless steel with a black lacquered dial, bringing a chic, contemporary edge. Meanwhile demonstrating the sheer variety and creativity within the family is the Serpenti Scaglie, a dazzling high-jewellery take in which the scales of the snake are intricately set with diamonds.

The Octo may be a newer Bulgari creation, but has made no less of an impact since it was introduced in 2012. Its bold, masculine form, a carefully balanced composition of curves with its eight-sided angular bezel, draws inspiration from the geometry found in the historic architecture of Rome. But beyond its striking aesthetic lies some of the most advanced timekeeping on the market. With the ultra-thin Octo Finissimo it has broken several world records for the svelte nature of its timepieces, using intricate engineering to thin down even the most technical of complications.

At the pop-up visitors can experience first-hand the comfort and finesse of some of the Octo’s latest additions such as teh Finissimo S GMT and handsome Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Titanium. It also offers watch connoisseurs a rare chance to take in the impressive Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Squelette, equipped with the world’s thinnest tourbillon movement, and a true tour de force of modern timekeeping.

The Bulgari pop-up runs until 30 November at Watches of Switzerland Broadgate, Liverpool Street Octagon Mall, London EC2M 2AU; bulgari.com