Bulgari - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Bulgari
    Year: Circa 2017
    Reference No: SPP26BGD1GBLD1.2T
    Case No: PO 371
    Model Name: Serpenti Scaglie
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. B030, 5 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold, white diamonds and black enamel
    Dimensions: 26mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Bulgari international warranty stamped Yokohama Sogo Japan and dated 13th April 2017, instruction manual, product literature, setting pin, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Long before the Octo Finissimo came onto the scene, beating records in ultra-flat watchmaking, Bulgari had the Serpenti, a signature synonymous with the Italian tastemaker since 1948. As one of the most recognisable designs in the luxury market, this iconic viper-inspired wrap-around bracelet with tubular links was later reinvented into the highly coveted jewelled watch in the late 1960s, as seen on the wrist of Elizabeth Taylor, who famously wore her one-of-a-kind diamond Serpenti bracelet watch while filming Cleopatra in Rome in 1962. The firm has since released numerous variants of this signature bracelet watch, each offering something different from the model before.

    Encased in pink gold, the present Bulgari Serpenti Scaglie is an exquisite lady’s quartz wristwatch, seductively dressed in black enamel and frosted with white diamonds from head to tail. Made to turn heads, this radiant timepiece is graced with 380 round diamonds with a total weight of an estimated 4.12 carats. The diamond-set black dial is framed in a distinctive snake’s head-shaped case, tastefully executed by hand. Wear a Serpenti watch involves having a snake coiled around one’s wrist. The secret to the embrace of this serpent is in the construction of its highly complex integrated bracelet. Crafted in segments, each “scaglie” is assembled around a coiled blade-shaped spring that gives this finished piece its flexibility and elasticity that perfectly caresses the contours of the wrist.

    A fitting occasion to acquire the jewelled timepiece as Bulgari celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Serpenti collection, this showstopping Serpenti Scaglie is powered by the reliable quartz cal. B030 is offered in excellent overall condition with its original accessories and is ready to be shown off at the next big red-carpet event.

  • Artist Biography

    Bulgari

    Italian

    Originally 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. 

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849

Ref. SPP26BGD1GBLD1.2T
An exotic and attractive lady’s pink gold black enamel diamond-set quartz wristwatch with diamond-set indexes, fancy-shaped black dial, integrated coiled bracelet, warranty and presentation box

Circa 2017
26mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 350,000 
€23,400-40,900
$25,600-44,900

Sold for HK$330,200

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023