133
Bulgari
Tubogas
A possibly unique and absolutely stunning yellow gold cuff bracelet watch with black dial
- Estimate
- $4,000 - 8,000
$170,180
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Bulgari
- Year
- Circa 1980
- Case No
- 1’116’551; further hand-etched 740830/1
- Model Name
- Tubogas
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal 845, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- 18K yellow gold Bulgari Tubogas bracelet
- Dimensions
- 40mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, and bracelet signed Bulgari. Case interior and movement signed Juvenia.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by original Bulgari receipt indicating this watch was purchased at the Bulgari boutique in New York on September 22nd, 1980, outer envelope, and fitted Bulgari presentation box.
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Tubogas. It goes hand-in-hand with Serpenti for one of the most innovative designs in luxury,
Iconic design is deemed as such because it is instantly recognizable; however, this example of the Tubogas is a bit more difficult to pinpoint. It has the typical Tubogas shape for the bracelet, but a relatively immense oval-shaped plaque bearing the pear-shaped watch head suspended, slightly off-center. Other such sculptural renditions of the Tubogas have been seen, such as a fan-shaped wrap bracelet example now housed in the Bulgari archives.
Aesthetically stunning, it is fitted with a rare gloss black dial, slightly off-centered so that time is more legible to the wearer, and visible through a faceted pear-shaped crystal. The broad oval portion flows easily into the case, and wears comfortably on the wrist. The manually-wound movement was supplied by Juvenia, and the case is both stamped for Bulgari NY and Italy.
Most exceptionally, this example is offered by the family of the original owner, who purchased this watch in 1980 at the first Bulgari boutique in the United States, which was located in The Pierre Hotel between 1971 and 1997. It is accompanied by its original purchase receipt and fitted presentation box, a wonderful reminder of the excess of the disco era and the inventive mechanical timepieces that took hold during that time period.
PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
Iconic design is deemed as such because it is instantly recognizable; however, this example of the Tubogas is a bit more difficult to pinpoint. It has the typical Tubogas shape for the bracelet, but a relatively immense oval-shaped plaque bearing the pear-shaped watch head suspended, slightly off-center. Other such sculptural renditions of the Tubogas have been seen, such as a fan-shaped wrap bracelet example now housed in the Bulgari archives.
Aesthetically stunning, it is fitted with a rare gloss black dial, slightly off-centered so that time is more legible to the wearer, and visible through a faceted pear-shaped crystal. The broad oval portion flows easily into the case, and wears comfortably on the wrist. The manually-wound movement was supplied by Juvenia, and the case is both stamped for Bulgari NY and Italy.
Most exceptionally, this example is offered by the family of the original owner, who purchased this watch in 1980 at the first Bulgari boutique in the United States, which was located in The Pierre Hotel between 1971 and 1997. It is accompanied by its original purchase receipt and fitted presentation box, a wonderful reminder of the excess of the disco era and the inventive mechanical timepieces that took hold during that time period.
PROPERTY OF THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
Bulgari
ItalianOriginally from Kalarites, Greece, Sotirios Voulgaris emigrated to Rome because of Greece's rising poverty and difficulty separating from the Ottoman Empire. He set foot on Italian soil in 1880 with little money in his pocket and spent the next four years preparing what would go on to become Italy's oldest jewelry company. In 1884, Bulgari opened its doors to the Italian people with its offering of jewelry and accessories. Bulgari's style takes from traditions in Greek and Roman craftsmanship to elegantly balance volume and subtlety. Later, in the late 1960s, Bulgari bridged classicism and modernity by introducing its seductive, now-iconic Serpenti collection of snake-shaped coil bracelets and watches. It is through its meticulous combination of influences that Bulgari has garnered an international and loyal high-profile clientele, which included Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. These Hollywood stars have immortalized the house's unique gem-adorned bracelets, necklaces and earrings in rounded forms.
Browse Maker