Vintage Bulova Cocktail Watch (likely 'La Petite' or 'Miss America' collection)
Cocktail Watch / Dress Watch · Bulova (Historically American, now owned by Citizen Watch Co.). During this era, Bulova was a premier mass-luxury manufacturer in the United States.
Period: Mid-Century Modern (Late 1950s - Early 1970s). The design features a 'pod' or 'marquise' shaped case and a petite aesthetic characteristic of post-WWII feminine luxury.
Type
Cocktail Watch / Dress Watch
Brand
Bulova (Historically American, now owned by Citizen Watch Co.). During this era, Bulova was a premier mass-luxury manufacturer in the United States.
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical movement. Typically houses a Bulova Caliber 5AR, 5AD, or similar small-diameter movement featuring 17 or 23 jewels.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 14mm-16mm (excluding crown); Thickness: 7mm-8mm; Lug-to-lug: 28mm-30mm; Lug width: Integrated proprietary attachment.
Description
A classic example of mid-century feminine horology, this Bulova cocktail watch was designed more as a piece of jewelry than a mere timekeeper. Its diminutive size and gold-toned sunburst dial reflect an era of formal evening wear and elegance. The integrated bracelet design creates a seamless transition from the watch head to the wrist, emphasizing its role as a decorative accessory.
Key Features
The marquise/almond case shape, the '12' numeral font characteristic of 1960s Bulova, and the decorative texture on the integrated bracelet end-links.
Dial Description
Sunburst champagne/gold dial. Features applied gold baton indices with an Arabic numeral at the 12 o'clock position. Simple baton or stick hands in black or gold for high contrast against the small surface.
Case Material
Gold-filled (likely 10K or 14K R.G.P. - Rolled Gold Plate) with a polished finish. The yellow gold tone is consistent with American watch production from the 1960s.
Crystal Type
Acrylic (Plexiglass), domed. Likely shows minor surface scratches given its age.
Bezel Details
Fixed, integrated into the case design. Smooth, polished yellow gold finish with a subtle almond or marquise contour.
Crown & Pushers
Small, knurled push-pull crown at 3 o'clock, likely signed with the Bulova 'tuning fork' or block lettering depending on the exact year of production.
Bracelet or Strap
Expanding 'Speidel' style or period-correct integrated flexible bracelet. Features decorative textured links (cobblestone or bark pattern) with possible rhinestone or crystal accents in the end-links.
Caseback Details
Solid, snap-on case back. Typically engraved with 'Bulova', '10K R.G.P. Bezel', and a date code (e.g., M7 for 1967, N1 for 1971).
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical movement. Typically houses a Bulova Caliber 5AR, 5AD, or similar small-diameter movement featuring 17 or 23 jewels.
Water Resistance
None. Not water-resistant. Exposure to moisture can cause dial spotting and movement corrosion.
Origin & Provenance
American Brand with Swiss or American-made movement components. Assembled in the USA.
Age Estimate
Circa 1965–1972. The dial typography and the case shape suggest the late 1960s 'Cocktail Era'.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the 'Cocktail Watch' trend, where watches were scaled down to be socially acceptable as jewelry for women during formal events where checking the time was once considered impolite.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is visible brassing (wear-through of the gold plating) on the edges of the case and crown. The dial appears clean, but the acrylic crystal likely requires a polish. Bracelet tension appears slightly loose.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. These are widely available on the secondary market; value is highest when original 'box and papers' are present or if the case is solid 14K gold rather than filled.
Care & Maintenance
Should be serviced every 5-7 years if intended for wear. Avoid all contact with water as these watches have no gaskets. Movement parts for these calibers are widely available to vintage specialists.
Similar Watches
Vintage Hamilton Lady Hamilton, Longines Cocktail watches, and Elgin 'Durapower' ladies' models.
Interesting Facts
Bulova was the first brand to air a television commercial in 1941. During the era this watch was made, Bulova was also famous for their Accutron technology, though they continued to produce these high-quality tiny mechanical movements for ladies' fashion.