A Rare Diamond-Set Snake Wristwatch, by Bulgari. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2013

Designed as a coiled snake, the sprung body with black enamel scale detailing, the head with pear shaped diamond eyes and hinged jaw opening to reveal the circular dial with polished hour markers and hands, to the diamond line bezel, mechanical movement, 1960s, maker’s pouch. Signed Bulgari, watch dial signed Jaeger Le Coultre, case no.678770 A. Estimate:  $60,360 – $75,450

Literature: Cf. Triossi, Amanda, Between Eternity and History Bulgari from 1884 to 2009 125 years of Italian Jewels, Milan, 2009, pp.194-199 for several snake watches of a similar design

Notes: During the 1960s Bulgari introduced a more realistically modelled snake design to its collection of sprung bracelet watches. It quickly became a signature model of the Italian house and was produced in several variations. Elizabeth Taylor is seen wearing a similar timepiece in a photo taken on the film set of Cleopatra in 1962, see p.246 Triossi, Between Eternity and History Bulgari from 1884 to 2009 125 years of Italian Jewels

Christie's. JEWELLERY. 5 June 2013. London, King Street.