Skip to content

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Bulgari Tubogas Tri-Tone, 2000s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Bvlgari (maker)
Date
2000s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 30 mm
Stock no.
40992034
Credit line
Dealer listing, Analog/Shift (40992034)
Catalogue title (original)
Bulgari Tubogas Tri-Tone (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Analog/Shift (dealer), New York (stock number 40992034), this is a wristwatch by Bvlgari, made in Switzerland, dated 2000s. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 30 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Bulgari. Tubogas. Two words that should evoke emotion . Since Bulgari’s founding, the brand has built a reputation on unique jewelry designs. The tubogas bracelet design, in particular, has played a significant role in that legacy. Popularized in the Serpenti line, in many ways, tubogas is now associated with Bulgari. This particular piece brings the tubogas aesthetic to a more conventional package. A round, 30mm piece, with three metal tones incorporated, makes for a striking look. The yellow, white, and rose gold bracelet elevates what would otherwise be a simple piece into something with a truly special character. This piece is also sized to work well for both men and women. Certainly on the smaller end at 30mm, the bracelet and the broad Bulgari engraved bezel gives the piece a bit more presence. This piece is not your boring ladies watch either. It would make for an excellent accent alongside more subdued watches. A bit more adventurous, this piece will turn heads classily. Dating to the 2000s and powered by a quartz caliber, this piece is sure to make a statement with its design-forward presence. If you’re looking for a Bulgari watch that encapsulates the brand’s most iconic look at a fraction of the cost of a Serpenti, this is the way to go!

Historical context

Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)

Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.

Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Detached lever escapementIdentification Centre

Related records