by Framboise Roucaute
Bulgari, Serpenti tubogas watch, c. 1970, yellow gold 18k. © Karry
Depending on the times, uses and users, Tubogas changed names almost as often as a snake changes its skin: "skeleton key", "spirotube", "gas pipe", "Serpenti". But it was the Second World War that sealed its destiny. The Tubogas was originally a corrugated tube made of articulated bands used to transport pressurized gas. Today, the Tubogas watch is creating a buzz in auction rooms, powered by the aura of Roman jeweler Bulgari and the spotlight on its iconic Serpenti watch, a Tubogas/snake hybrid. The latest one fetched €12,300 at the Hôtel Drouot—€2,000 above its high estimate.
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