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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tubogas bracelet watch

Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch, Ref. G.1164-4

Partially verified

This Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch, dating to the 1970s, features an 18K yellow and white gold case with a diameter of 22mm. The watch is powered by an automatic, 17-jewel movement. Its most distinctive feature is the 18K yellow gold Tubogas bracelet, which coils around the wrist in continuous turns without the use of a visible fastening mechanism. The bracelet is constructed using the Tubogas technique, which involves winding strips of gold without soldering. The round case frames a black dial, which is marked with applied gilt Arabic numerals and hour markers, accompanied by gold baton hands. A cabochon-set crown is positioned at the side of the case. The watch is signed on the case, dial, and movement, and

Front three-quarter view of the Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch showing the multi-coil gold bracelet and black dial.
Front three-quarter view of the Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch showing the multi-coil gold bracelet and black dial. — Monaco Legend Group / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Tubogas bracelet watch
Maker / attribution
Bulgari
Reference
G.1164-4
Catalogue / lot identifier
206855807
Source-reported date
circa 1970s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
2'576

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in a round, two-tone case constructed from 18K yellow and white gold, measuring 22mm in diameter. The design features a black dial that provides a high-contrast backdrop for the applied gilt Arabic numerals and baton-style hands.

A significant design element is the crown, which is fitted with a cabochon. The case retains curved proportions and is signed by Bulgari. The construction relies on the contrast between the yellow and white gold components of the bezel and case body.

Evidence for this section
  • “The round case houses a rich black dial, enhanced by applied gilt Arabic numerals and hour markers, together with simple gold baton hands.”
  • “The crown, set with a cabochon, completes the composition with a refined touch.”

Tubogas Bracelet

The bracelet is crafted from 18K yellow gold and utilizes the Tubogas technique, which consists of strips of gold wound together without the use of solder. This results in a continuous, flexible tube that coils around the wrist in multiple turns.

The design purposefully lacks a visible fastening mechanism, relying on the tension and structure of the coiled gold to remain on the wearer's wrist. The bracelet is described as remaining supple and fully articulated.

Evidence for this section
  • “The bracelet, crafted in 18K yellow gold, coils around the wrist in several continuous turns, with no visible fastening mechanism.”
  • “the Tubogas bracelet remains taut, supple and beautifully articulated.”

Movement and Signatures

The watch is powered by an automatic movement containing 17 jewels. The object is signed in three primary locations: the case, the dial, and the internal movement.

The auction description confirms these signatures as part of the watch's identification. The internal caliber remains an automatic type, though specific manufacturer details for the movement mechanism are not provided in the source record.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: Automatic, 17 jewels”
  • “Signed: Case, dial and movement”

Open research questions

  • Confirm the specific movement caliber used in reference G.1164-4
  • Verify the production timeframe of this specific serial number within the 1970s production run

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Bulgari Tubogas wristwatch, Ref. G.1164-4
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerBulgari“Bulgari”
ReferenceG.1164-4“G.1164-4”
Case Material18K yellow and white gold“18K yellow and white gold”
MovementAutomatic, 17 jewels“Automatic, 17 jewels”

Visible details

  • Continuous gold coils forming the bracelet
  • Cabochon-set crown
  • Applied gilt Arabic numerals and hour markers
  • Two-tone gold case construction

Research qualifications

  • Authentication of the movement and components requires specialist verification
  • Specific manufacture origin is not confirmed by the source

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Wristwatch, Bulgari Tubogas, 1970s

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 1b9b774548

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.